Tunisia’s Heat Wave Eases as Temperatures Begin to Fall This Week

Tunisia’s exceptional heat wave is losing strength. Temperatures are expected to fall by 1 to 2 degrees a day, moving away from the peaks of nearly 50°C recorded late last week.

Amer Bahba, an associate professor of geography and researcher in climatology and natural hazards, said the first signs of cooling would appear gradually. Interior and southern regions, including Kairouan, Sidi Bouzid and Tozeur, are expected to settle temporarily in the 40s. Along the coast, high humidity will keep conditions feeling heavy.

The decline should become more pronounced from Wednesday, when temperatures are forecast to return to the 30s across the country. Milder nights and mornings are also expected in the coming days, bringing readings closer to seasonal norms.

Localized atmospheric instability could produce afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, western Kairouan, Le Kef, Siliana and Zaghouan. Early climate-model projections show no major low-pressure systems in the first 10 days of September, while the likelihood of more widespread rain could increase during the second half of the month.