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Weather: Almost daily thunderstorms expected in Tunisia

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Tunisia is expected to experience almost daily thunderstorms and locally significant rainfall from August 15 to August 22.
  • Strong winds of 70 to 100 km/h are anticipated during the passage of storm cells.
  • Forecasters predict a wetter autumn and warmer winter than usual, with summer temperatures remaining near seasonal norms.

Tunisia is bracing for a period of meteorological instability from August 15 to August 22, marked by almost daily thunderstorms and potentially heavy rainfall. Amer Bahba, a climatology researcher and Tunisian weather expert, indicated that precipitation could reach 20 to 40 mm in short periods, particularly in western mountainous regions and the governorates of Kef, Siliana, Kasserine, Kairouan, and Sidi Bouzid. These disturbances may also bring hail and flash floods in some wadis.

The rains could reach 20 to 40 mm in a short time, especially in the mountainous regions of the West and the governorates of Kef, Siliana, Kasserine, Kairouan and Sidi Bouzid.

— Amer BahbaThe expert detailed the expected rainfall amounts and affected regions during the upcoming stormy period.

Strong winds are also a concern, with speeds potentially ranging between 70 and 100 km/h as storm cells pass over. Bahba explained that storm clouds typically form in western regions before moving towards the eastern coast by late afternoon or early evening. Despite these conditions, morning and afternoon swimming should remain possible when weather is more stable.

Winds could reach 100 km/h

— Amer BahbaThe expert warned about the potential speed of winds accompanying the storm cells.

Looking ahead, Bahba forecasts a wetter-than-average autumn for Tunisia, with more pronounced weather phenomena in several regions. This is based on data from the European medium and long-term model. He also anticipates a warmer autumn and winter compared to seasonal norms, aligning with global climate trends. Some areas might even experience winter temperatures close to 30°C, though the overall winter is expected to be dry after a rainier autumn.

Tunisia could record, in September, precipitation above seasonal averages and more marked meteorological phenomena in several regions.

— Amer BahbaThe expert projected autumn weather patterns based on medium and long-term climate models.

Regarding the summer of 2026, Bahba characterized it as having temperatures generally close to seasonal averages, with the exception of a two-week heatwave in late July. Current temperatures, ranging from 28 to 38°C with peaks of 41°C in Kairouan and the Medjerda basin, are considered normal for Tunisia's climate.

Tunisia could record, in September, precipitation above seasonal averages and more marked meteorological phenomena in several regions.

— Amer BahbaThe expert projected autumn weather patterns based on medium and long-term climate models.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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