According to the National Institute of Meteorological Observation, summer 2026 in Tunisia was the hottest on record since 1950, with a significant temperature increase of 2.9 degrees compared to the 1991-2020 average. This extreme weather event was marked by new temperature records, highlighting the exceptional nature of this summer. The seasonal climate bulletin for summer 2026, released on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, by the National Institute of Meteorological Observation, provides a detailed analysis of the extreme weather conditions experienced in Tunisia during the summer months.
The summer of 2026 was characterized by extremely high and prolonged heatwaves, primarily during July and August, with a notable geographical extension. These heatwaves, which occurred throughout the country, were the most severe recorded in Tunisia since 1950, both in terms of temperature intensity and duration. The heatwaves were also marked by persistently high nighttime temperatures, which significantly limited the decrease in temperatures at night and exacerbated the severity of the heatwaves.
The heatwaves began to appear in some areas during the first half of July 2026 and gradually spread to cover almost the entire country. The heatwaves intensified during the second half of July, with prolonged periods of extreme heat, particularly in the central and southern regions. The northern and coastal areas also experienced significant heatwaves. In August 2026, a new heatwave emerged, affecting most regions, primarily from the third week of the month and continuing until the end of August.
The persistence of the heatwave was particularly notable in several weather observation stations in the central and southern regions, where it lasted for an extended period. Some stations recorded two separate heatwaves during the month. The extreme weather conditions had a significant impact on the country's climate, with temperatures consistently exceeding average levels.
The seasonal climate bulletin for summer 2026, published by the National Institute of Meteorological Observation, provides valuable insights into the country's climate trends. The bulletin highlights the exceptional nature of the summer of 2026, which was marked by extreme heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures. The data collected during this period will help inform climate models and improve weather forecasting.
Tunisia's experience with extreme heatwaves is part of a broader global trend of increasing temperatures. The country's climate is becoming increasingly hot, with severe heatwaves becoming more frequent and prolonged. This trend is consistent with global climate change patterns, which are leading to more extreme weather events worldwide.
The effects of the heatwaves on the country's population, infrastructure, and economy are still being assessed. However, it is clear that the summer of 2026 had a significant impact on Tunisia, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and analysis of the country's climate trends. The National Institute of Meteorological Observation will continue to provide critical data and insights to inform climate policy and decision-making.
Key points
- Tunisia's summer 2026 was the hottest on record since 1950, with temperatures 2.9 degrees above average.
- The summer of 2026 was marked by extremely high and prolonged heatwaves, primarily during July and August.
- The heatwaves had a significant impact on the country's climate, with temperatures consistently exceeding average levels.
