Tunisia is experiencing an intense heatwave with temperatures reaching 49 °C [1] and widespread power outages across the country on July 23, 2026 [2].

The combination of extreme heat and failing infrastructure creates a public health risk, as residents struggle to cool their homes and maintain essential services during the peak of summer.

Authorities said that the surge in electricity demand has strained the national grid [3]. This increased load, driven by the widespread use of air conditioning and cooling systems to combat the heat, has led to prolonged power cuts [3].

The outages have fueled public frustration as residents face the dual burden of scorching temperatures and a lack of reliable power. The heatwave has affected various regions throughout Tunisia, leaving many without a way to mitigate the risks associated with extreme thermal stress [3].

National grid instability often occurs during such weather extremes when energy production cannot keep pace with the sudden spike in consumption [3]. The current situation has intensified hardship for those in urban areas and rural communities alike, as the 49 °C [1] peak temperature pushes the environment to dangerous levels.

Local residents have sought relief in public spaces and shade while waiting for power to be restored. The government said it continues to manage the grid's instability as the heatwave persists across the region [3].

“Temperatures reaching 49 °C have strained the national grid”

The crisis in Tunisia highlights the vulnerability of national energy infrastructures to climate-driven weather extremes. When extreme heat spikes electricity demand beyond the capacity of the grid, it creates a feedback loop where the lack of power prevents residents from accessing the very cooling systems needed to survive the heat, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths.