Unprecedented heat wave hits Tunisia

Tunisia is witnessing a severe heat wave Tuesday, according to the National Institute of Meteorology, especially in the north and center of the country.

In the capital, Tunis, the temperature reached 48 degrees Celsius at midday on Tuesday, the highest temperature since recording 46.8 degrees in 1982.

The temperature is 9-15 degrees above average, especially in the north and center-east, according to the institute, but a "gradual decrease" in temperatures is expected as of Thursday.

Record temperatures were also recorded on Sunday in the south of the country, reaching 48.5 degrees Celsius, according to the same source.

On its official Facebook page, the Ministry of Health advised citizens to avoid going out during times of peak heat and called on them to drink fluids regularly.

The Ministry of Agriculture encouraged breeders and farmers to take precautionary measures to reduce the impact of the heat wave, especially on poultry and crops.

In neighboring Algeria, the heat wave has caused nearly 50 fires to erupt since Monday evening, killing seven people.