Yerevan, Armenia – July 13, 2026 – The Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Environment has reported record-breaking temperatures during this year’s Vardavar, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ. Yerevan experienced its hottest Vardavar on record with a temperature of 40.8°C, while Meghri reached an unprecedented 43.7°C, marking the highest temperature ever observed in Armenia.
Vardavar: A Moving Feast with Extreme Temperatures
Vardavar is one of the five major feast days of the Armenian Apostolic Church, celebrated 98 days after Easter on a Sunday, falling between June 28 and August 1. This year’s celebration on July 12, 2026, coincided with extreme heat across the country.
According to Levon Azizyan, Director of the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center, the earliest Vardavar in the last 19 years was on June 29, 2008, and the latest on July 31, 2011. The coolest Vardavar was recorded on July 22, 2024, when Yerevan registered a milder 30.0°C.
Record-Breaking Heat Across Armenia
However, the Vardavar of 2026 stands out for its intense heat. On July 12, Yerevan reached 40.8°C, surpassing previous records for the holiday. More significantly, Meghri, a town in southern Armenia, recorded an astonishing 43.7°C on the same day, marking the highest temperature ever officially observed in Armenia.
The extreme heat prompted authorities to issue warnings, and the Republican Square and adjacent streets were closed on July 12 due to the Vardavar celebrations, which often involve water splashing. The combination of high temperatures and public festivities raised concerns about public safety and heat-related illnesses.
Implications of Rising Temperatures
These record temperatures highlight a growing trend of increasingly hot summers in Armenia, consistent with global climate change patterns. Such extreme heat can have significant impacts on public health, agriculture, and infrastructure. Experts warn that without adequate adaptation and mitigation strategies, the frequency and intensity of such heatwaves could continue to rise in the coming years.
The data provided by the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center serves as a crucial indicator of climate shifts in the region, prompting discussions on long-term environmental strategies and public awareness campaigns regarding heat safety.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/07/12/54875141/1974668
