Tunisia Heatwave Nears 50°C as Rolling Power Cuts Continue
By: WNEWS247 Editorial Staff
Published: July 24, 2026
TUNIS, Tunisia — Tunisia is enduring one of its most intense heatwaves in recent years, with temperatures approaching 50°C (122°F) in several regions, placing heavy strain on the country’s electricity grid and disrupting daily life.
Weather officials recorded some of the highest temperatures on record this week. The central governorate of Kairouan reached 49.7°C, surpassing its previous record of 49.2°C, while Zaghouan climbed to 48.6°C, also setting a new local record. Other parts of the North African country reported highs nearing 49°C.
Tunisia introduced rolling power cuts after record electricity demand strained the national grid during an extreme heatwave.
Record electricity demand triggers rolling blackouts
The extreme heat has driven electricity demand to record levels as households and businesses rely heavily on air conditioning. The state-owned Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) said consumption reached about 6 gigawatts, up from 5.6 gigawatts only days earlier.
To reduce pressure on the grid, STEG has introduced rolling power cuts in different neighborhoods during peak afternoon hours. The utility said the temporary outages are intended to prevent a wider nationwide blackout.
Officials said Tunisia’s aging electricity network, limited generating capacity, and reliance on natural gas imports have made it more difficult to meet surging summer demand.
Daily life disrupted across several cities
The power cuts have affected homes, businesses, and public services across parts of the country. Some residents reported outages lasting several hours, while businesses that rely on refrigeration have faced losses as temperatures remained exceptionally high. In some areas, electricity interruptions also disrupted water supplies because pumping stations depend on power.
Energy experts say around half of Tunisia’s summer electricity demand is linked to cooling, placing significant pressure on the national grid during periods of extreme heat. The latest heatwave has underscored the challenge of maintaining electricity supplies as demand reaches record highs.
