Tunisia: Weather Alert Advises Against Swimming on Northern Coast Due to High Winds

Swimmers are strongly advised to avoid the northern coast of Tunisia due to severe weather conditions, including powerful wind gusts. Climatologist Amer Bahba issued a high-level alert, warning that the sea is rough with waves reaching up to three meters.

Bahba, a professor of geography and a researcher in climatology and natural risks, reported that the northern coastline, stretching from Tabarka to the northern tip of Cap Bon, is experiencing violent northwesterly winds. Average speeds range between 50 and 70 km/h, with gusts potentially exceeding 80 km/h. This intense wind activity is creating very agitated seas, making swimming strictly prohibited and dangerous along these sectors.

In contrast, the eastern coast of Tunisia, including the Sahel and southern regions like Sousse, Monastir, Mahdia, Sfax, and Gabès, will experience much milder conditions. These areas will benefit from stable atmospheric conditions with light to moderate winds, allowing for safe enjoyment of the sea. However, Bahba urged vigilance and strict adherence to safety instructions even in these calmer areas.

Regarding temperatures, Bahba noted classic convective instability, with daytime ground warming and high humidity triggering local thunderstorms and sporadic showers in governorates like Kairouan, Le Kef, Nabeul, and Médenine. This pattern might temporarily extend to other northern and eastern coastal areas by evening.

Looking ahead, the outlook is more reassuring. Weather models predict a gradual decrease in wind strength starting Friday. This transition is expected to usher in a return to classic, stable summer conditions over the weekend, suitable for swimming and outdoor activities. While some models suggest a temperature rise between July 10th and 20th, Bahba cautioned against definitively predicting an extreme heatwave at this stage.