Tunisia Experiences Unusual Weather Events in Winter 2026
Tunisia has recorded unusual weather events during the winter of 2026, marked by violent and more frequent winds than the normal seasonal average. The days of February 12 and, to a lesser extent, February 15, have particularly caught the attention of specialists, according to climatologist and academic Jamil Hajri.
In a statement to the TAP, the expert estimated that these events confirm climate projections announcing an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme phenomena, considered one of the most visible manifestations of climate change in Tunisia.
Unusual Atmospheric Configuration
Traditionally, winter atmospheric circulation in Tunisia is dominated by a westerly flow, under the influence of dynamic action centers such as the Azores anticyclone and the Icelandic depression. However, on February 12, the situation was marked by an unusual meridional circulation.
According to Jamil Hajri, a very deep depression, reaching 979 millibars, was positioned west of Warsaw, Poland, generating a strong pressure gradient of 51 millibars. This configuration accelerated the winds and favored powerful cold flows from northern Europe, causing extreme weather conditions on Tunisian territory.
The day of February 15 presented a similar configuration. For the expert, this repetition translates to an increase in the frequency of meridional circulations at the expense of the classic zonal flow of the winter season.
"The prospective models have already highlighted these characteristics, which now seem to be imposing themselves as a structural component of our climate," he emphasized.
Climate Change in Tunisia: A Challenge for Development
Faced with these climate developments, the specialist considers that the impacts of climate change represent a major challenge for the country's economic and social development. He advocates for the gradual adoption of a low-carbon development model and resilience to extreme weather phenomena.
Tunisia will have to face increased pressure on its water resources, a strategic issue in a context of repeated droughts and increased variability of precipitation.
Towards a National Climate Strategy by 2050
To address these challenges, Jamil Hajri recommends that the national climate strategy by 2050 be based on two essential pillars:
- Strengthening scientific knowledge on the climate in Tunisia
- Establishing effective and integrated climate governance
Among the priorities mentioned are improving the understanding of climate trends and extreme phenomena, defining sectoral research priorities, and strengthening vulnerability studies in a multi-sectoral approach.
At the institutional level, the expert emphasizes the need for sustainable integration of climate issues into development planning, through governance involving multiple levels of intervention.
He also calls for anchoring a culture of prevention and anticipation, particularly through the dissemination of good practices in the face of recurring storms and floods, and the strengthening of early warning systems.
"Adaptation to extreme weather phenomena has become a necessity, especially for the most vulnerable regions and populations," he concluded.
