Tunisia Records Hottest Summer with Peak 49.7°C
Tunisia's summer was the hottest since 1950, with temperatures averaging nearly 3°C above previous records and widespread infrastructure failures.
Key points
- Tunisia recorded its hottest summer since 1950, with average temperatures 2.9°C above the previous record.
- Peak temperatures reached 49.7°C in Kairouan, with other cities exceeding 48°C during the summer months.
- Power outages and water shortages strained infrastructure, while human rights groups documented heat-related deaths in prisons.
Tunisia has officially recorded its hottest summer since modern temperature tracking began in 1950, according to the National Meteorological Institute. The agency reported that the average temperature for the season was approximately 2.9 degrees Celsius higher than the previous record, marking a significant deviation from historical norms.
The extreme conditions were driven by intense and prolonged heatwaves that persisted through July and August. Scientists cited in the report attribute these episodes to the broader effects of climate change, noting that the heat was not only extreme in peak intensity but also sustained, with persistently high nighttime temperatures that offered little relief to residents.
Regional temperature peaks recorded
The highest temperature measured during the period was 49.7 degrees Celsius in the central city of Kairouan in mid-July. Other locations reported similarly severe readings, with Beja in the northwest reaching 49.2 degrees Celsius and Tozeur in the south hitting 48.4 degrees Celsius. These figures underscore the geographic breadth of the heatwave, affecting diverse regions across the country.
Health impacts and infrastructure strain
While official authorities have not yet released comprehensive data on the health impact of the heatwaves, a group representing young Tunisian doctors reported numerous deaths linked to the high temperatures. The Tunisian League for Human Rights documented 23 deaths in prisons, citing harsh conditions exacerbated by the heat and overcrowding in cells. These reports highlight the severe human cost associated with the extreme weather events.
The heatwaves also placed significant strain on public infrastructure, leading to frequent power cuts and water shortages. President Kais Saied stated that the outages, which sometimes lasted more than 10 hours, were part of "criminal plans" and "attempts at provocation" rather than ordinary breakdowns. Conversely, state-run electricity company STEG explained that the cuts were necessary load-sheding measures to ease pressure on the network, while water supply issues were compounded by the reliance on electric pumps.
Context from Africanews reporting
According to Africanews, the situation in Tunisia reflects a wider pattern of climate-related challenges in the region. The combination of record-breaking heat, resource scarcity, and public sector disruptions has intensified social tensions, with recent protests demanding the release of jailed activists adding to the political complexity. The interplay between environmental stressors and domestic policy responses remains a critical area of observation for regional stability.
