[REVISION HISTORY]

Heatwave and extreme weather in Tunisia and Algeria

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-26 16:09 UTC → 2026-08-27 09:01 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. The heatwave was characterized by sirocco winds and the potential for localized thunderstorms with wind gusts exceeding 70 km/h. The remaining five governorates were placed under a yellow alert. Health officials warned of risks to vulnerable populations and advised against outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours. By late August, the heatwave was expected to persist until early September. Environmental expert Hamdi Hachad noted that these extreme conditions are linked to broader climate change patterns and the El Niño phenomenon. In response to the prolonged heat, the Tunisian National Civil Protection Office issued warnings regarding increased wildfire risks, advising citizens to avoid activities such as burning waste or leaving glass containers in open spaces. Health authorities continued to caution against heatstroke and dehydration, particularly for children and the elderly. By August 24, the extreme weather conditions extended across North ~~Africa, with Algeria also facing severe heat and atmospheric instability.~~ 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~~ Tamanrasset, Adrar, and ~~Adrar. On August 24,~~ Bordj Badji Mokhtar. Simultaneously, the INM expanded its orange alerts in Tunisia to cover 23 of ~~Tunisia’s~~ its 24 governorates due to intense heat and sirocco ~~winds, with~~ winds. By August 27, temperatures ~~forecast~~ 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 ~~reach 48°C.~~ 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.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.