Temperatures could reach 42C in southern Tunisia as sh’hili winds appear

Temperatures could reach 42C in Tunisia’s south west and far south on Saturday, according to the National Institute of Meteorology.

The institute said maximum temperatures would range between 27C and 32C near the coast, and between 33C and 38C across most other regions. The far south and south west are expected to be the main exception, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 42C.

The hot spell will be accompanied locally by the sh’hili, a hot and dry Saharan wind similar to the sirocco, which can make conditions feel harsher inland and in southern areas.

Skies are expected to be mostly clear to partly cloudy across much of the country during the morning.

Cloud cover is forecast to increase gradually in the afternoon over western areas of the north and centre, where isolated thunderstorms and scattered showers may develop.

Winds will blow from the north in northern regions and from the east in central and southern areas. They are expected to be relatively strong, and locally strong in the south, with possible blowing sand in exposed areas.

Elsewhere, winds are forecast to remain light to moderate.

Sea conditions are expected to be slight, locally moderate.