The city of Kairouan recorded, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the second-highest temperature in the world, with a peak of 49.8 °C, according to the climatology specialist Amer Bahba.
A Tunisian record nearly reached
In a statement to the program “Ahla Sbeh” on Mosaïque FM, Amer Bahba indicated that the temperature recorded in Kairouan was only half a degree from the absolute record registered in Tunisia.
This national record remains held by the same city, with 50.3 °C measured on August 11, 2021.
This new exceptional rise occurs in a context of a strong heatwave affecting Tunisia during August, after an initial heat spell recorded in July, during which Kairouan had already reached 49.7 °C.
Intense heat in several regions
The researcher noted that the latest heatwave also affected the northern regions of the country, where temperatures approached 49 °C.
This exceptional situation is explained in particular by the influence of an African anticyclone, which transports extremely hot air masses from the Sahara.
However, the impact of these air masses varies by region depending on several local factors, including geography, terrain and the characteristics of the territory.
Why is Kairouan especially exposed?
Amer Bahba explains that Kairouan’s geographic location contributes to amplifying the extreme heat. The city is situated in a basin surrounded by reliefs, notably the Dharhia mountain range, and is also near sebkha areas, such as Sebkhet Sidi El Héni and Sebkhet El Kelbia.
These characteristics favor heat accumulation and explain why Kairouan is among Tunisia’s regions most exposed to extreme temperatures.
Similarly to Kairouan, the regions of Tozeur and Kébili, also marked by the presence of sebkhas, are among the hottest areas in the country.
The perceived temperature can be even higher
The researcher reminded that officially announced temperatures are measured in the shade, while direct sun exposure can lead to much higher temperatures, potentially exceeding by 4 to 5 degrees the values recorded in the shade.
He also pointed out that the perceived temperature by the human body can be higher than the measured temperature, notably due to humidity, particularly in regions near the sea, which intensifies the sensation of heat during heatwaves.
