# Heatwave and extreme weather in Tunisia and Algeria

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/heatwave-in-tunisia
> Updated: 2026-08-27T07:00:06.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 3.

Tunisia experienced a significant heatwave in late August 2026. Initially, forecasts predicted temperatures between 46°C and 47°C in regions such as Kairouan, Sidi Bouzid, Tozeur, and Kébili, accompanied by the intensification of the hot, dry Chehili wind. As the weather event progressed, the National Institute of Meteorology (INM) escalated warnings, placing 19 of the country’s 24 governorates under an orange alert. Temperatures were projected to reach as high as 48°C in areas including Kairouan, Tozeur, and Kébili.

By August 24, the extreme weather conditions extended across North Africa. In Algeria, the Office national de la météorologie (ONM) issued alerts for temperatures reaching up to 49°C, alongside sandstorms and high winds exceeding 80 km/h. Thunderstorm alerts were also issued for southern Algerian regions such as Tamanrasset, Adrar, and Bordj Badji Mokhtar. Simultaneously, the INM expanded its orange alerts in Tunisia to cover 23 of its 24 governorates due to intense heat and sirocco winds.

By August 27, temperatures in Tunisia reached extreme levels, with Kairouan recording 49.8°C, making it one of the hottest cities globally. Other high readings included Beja at 49.2°C and Jendouba at 48.1°C. The intense heat impacted infrastructure, forcing the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company to implement temporary power outages in various cities and villages to maintain grid stability. While conditions remained significantly above seasonal norms, meteorologists predicted a gradual decline in temperatures starting Friday, with a more significant drop expected over the weekend.

## Claims

- Nineteen Tunisian governorates have been placed under orange alert due to high temperatures. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tunisian temperatures are expected to reach up to 48 °C. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Algeria is facing extreme weather including temperatures near 49 °C and winds exceeding 80 km/h. (single source)
- Sandstorms are expected in several Algerian wilayas alongside high winds. (single source)
- Algerian regions such as Tamanrasset, Adrar, and Bordj Badji Mokhtar are under alert for thunderstorms from 15:00 to midnight. (single source)
- Heatwaves in M’Sila, Batna, Mila, and Constantine are expected between 09:00 and 21:00. (single source)
- Temperatures in the Algerian Grand-Sud could reach 48 °C. (single source)
- The heatwave in Tunisia increases the risk of wildfires. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Tunisia heatwave reaches extreme temperatures in Kairouan

Tunisia is facing a severe heatwave, with Kairouan reaching 49.8°C. The extreme heat has caused power outages and prompted national weather alerts, though temperatures are expected to drop this weekend.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-heatwave-reaches-extreme-temperatures-in-kairouan

### 2026-08-24: North Africa faces extreme heat and sandstorms

Algeria and Tunisia are facing extreme weather, including heatwaves with temperatures up to 49 °C, sandstorms, and high winds. Most Tunisian governorates are under orange alert for heat and wildfire risks.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-heatwave-19-governorates-placed-under-orange-alert

### 2026-08-20: Tunisia prepares for week-long heatwave with temperatures up to 47°C

Tunisia faces a week-long heatwave starting August 23, with temperatures potentially reaching 47°C in several regions alongside intense dry winds.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tunisia-prepares-for-week-long-heatwave-with-temperatures-up-to-47c

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Cite as: Heatwave and extreme weather in Tunisia and Algeria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/heatwave-in-tunisia