Tunisia is experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 49.8 degrees Celsius (121.6 Fahrenheit) in Kairouan on August 27, 2026. This heat has driven record electricity demand, disrupting water supplies and straining health services. The Tunisian Observatory for Weather and Climate reported that Kairouan was the second-hottest location monitored worldwide that day, following Mehran in Iran, which reached 50°C. Six Tunisian cities were among the world’s 20 hottest monitoring stations. This temperature is close to Tunisia’s national record of 50.3°C, recorded on August 11, 2021.
The extreme temperatures have increased electricity demand as households and businesses utilize more air conditioning. The Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) has implemented rotating power cuts in several regions to manage the pressure on the electricity system, which reached a record demand of 6,000 megawatts in July. The outages have affected various areas across Tunisia, with some residents reporting interruptions lasting several hours.
The water supply disruptions are linked to the electricity cuts, as parts of Tunisia’s water-distribution system rely on electrically powered pumping stations. For example, on August 24, an electricity interruption halted the main Kerker pumping station, disrupting drinking-water supplies in areas of the Mahdia and Sfax governorates. However, not all water shortages are caused by power cuts, as Tunisia has faced structural water scarcity and recurring drought for years.
The World Bank has noted that Tunisia is experiencing growing water scarcity and climate pressures. The current electricity cuts are exacerbating an existing water problem rather than creating a new crisis. Water interruptions can arise from various causes, including infrastructure issues and maintenance.
The heat and electricity disruptions have also impacted bottled-water supplies, with the Associated Press reporting that power rationing disrupted factory operations amid increased demand for bottled water. Prolonged outages can lead to difficulties for households, affecting refrigeration and the operation of electricity-dependent medical equipment.
On August 29, the Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors reported an unprecedented increase in deaths and hospital admissions associated with heatstroke and extreme temperatures, urging the government to declare a health emergency. The Health Ministry recorded 633 cases requiring medical attention related to the heatwave between July 1 and August 29, but did not provide a nationwide death toll.
President Kais Saied suggested on August 27 that some disruptions were the result of deliberate sabotage rather than technical failures, although this claim has not been substantiated. The ongoing power cuts and water shortages have led to public frustration and protests against the government, with demands for better access to essential services.
As long as temperatures remain high, electricity demand is likely to stay elevated, maintaining pressure on the electricity network and potentially leading to further disruptions in water supply and refrigeration. The current situation highlights the interconnectedness of Tunisia’s electricity and water systems, while also emphasizing that the underlying water crisis is rooted in long-term challenges.