Intense Rains and Storms Threaten Tunisia's Wheat and Barley Crops

Tunisia is facing a significant threat to its cereal crops as intense rainfall and thunderstorms batter the northwest governorates during June. Climatologist Amer Bahba issued a stark warning about the potential degradation of wheat and barley harvests, citing the exceptionally high precipitation levels recorded.

Bahba highlighted that some regions, like Krib in the Siliana governorate, have received as much as 91 millimeters of rain, with the Kef governorate recording 50 millimeters. These substantial volumes, he explained, could lead to considerable agricultural losses and create conditions conducive to diseases that compromise the quality of wheat and barley. The storm cells, which formed over western reliefs, have moved through Jendouba, Kef, Siliana, and Béja, and are expected to progress eastward.

In response to these weather challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture had previously urged farmers to implement necessary precautions. These measures include protecting and covering crops to mitigate potential material damage. Bahba, however, indicated that these severe weather disturbances are unlikely to extend to the southern regions of the country.

Meanwhile, coastal areas are experiencing a notable rise in perceived temperatures. In the Monastir governorate, for instance, temperatures have reached 41 degrees Celsius due to high humidity levels. This contrast between the heavy rainfall in the north and the heat in coastal zones underscores the varied weather patterns currently affecting Tunisia.