North Africa heat wave triggers Tunisia power cuts and Algeria fire alerts

An intense heat wave is sweeping North Africa, producing record temperatures in both Tunisia and Algeria. In Tunisia, the national electricity company STEG has introduced rotating load‑shedding, cutting power for up to 5,000 MW during peak hours as temperatures soar well above seasonal norms. Climate specialist Dr Adel Hentati attributes the conditions to a massive thermal dome over the region, noting that such extreme heat is arriving years earlier than climate models originally projected and may be followed by heavy rains and flood risks in August‑September.

In neighboring Algeria, the civil protection agency has recalled hundreds of personnel after a wave of wildfires and a red‑alert heat warning with temperatures nearing 50 °C. The agency recorded 932 fire‑fighting deployments across 32 provinces in a single week. Both countries are urging citizens to limit sun exposure, stay hydrated, and prepare for possible severe weather later this summer.