Tunisia's climate shifting towards subtropical, expert warns of longer heatwaves and intense autumn rains

This summer has seen unusually long heatwaves, with one lasting nearly nineteen days with temperatures above 35°C. The current heatwave is the second major episode, with high temperatures expected to persist until early September. Hached highlighted the increase in "tropical nights" where temperatures remain around 30°C or higher after sunset, preventing the body from recovering and increasing nighttime electricity demand for air conditioning. He noted the health risks of heatwaves, particularly for individuals with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and pregnant women, recommending avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest hours.

Hached anticipates a warmer-than-normal autumn, with temperatures expected to drop significantly only from the second week of October. This persistent heat could lead to very intense, short-duration rainfall events, as the Mediterranean Sea has reached exceptionally high temperatures, with some areas in the western Mediterranean recording water temperatures of 33°C. The expert explained that the combination of a warm sea and cold air masses can create conditions for heavy rainfall, posing challenges for absorption by soil and infrastructure. Hached emphasized that these phenomena indicate a broader transformation from a Mediterranean to a subtropical climate, potentially altering agricult