Is it true that the apparent temperature reached 83 degrees Celsius on an island in the Arabian Gulf?

Arab Weather - Media outlets and social media platforms have been abuzz over the past few hours with news that the global perceived heat index has been broken in Iran, specifically at the "Derestan" station located on the Iranian coast overlooking the Arabian Gulf, where a temperature index of 182 degrees Fahrenheit (equivalent to 83.3 degrees Celsius) was recorded.

But is this reading really accurate?

According to an analysis by AccuWeather meteorologist and digital producer Jesse Ferrell, this controversial reading is likely due to a technical glitch in the measuring device, particularly the dew point sensor, or temporary local environmental conditions that affected the accuracy of the data.

However, when this reading was compared with data from other stations in the Arabian Gulf during the same period, it became clear that the next highest reading did not exceed 145°F (62.8°C) on Lawan Island, while other stations recorded temperatures within the range of 130 to 140°F (about 54 to 60°C), which weakens the reliability of the record recorded in Deirstan.

With so many weather stations in the area, a reading this large from just one station, and not from any other nearby station, is a strong indication of a possible error.

The Deirstan station is also known for historically exaggerated and erratic readings, having previously recorded a heat index of 180°F (82.2°C) on August 30, 2024. The dew point recorded in the latest reading was 97°F, two degrees higher than the accepted world record, raising doubts about the accuracy of this data.

Ferrell points out that dew point meters are among the most vulnerable components to failure, even in highly efficient weather stations, which may explain this unusual number.