TUNIS, July 18 (Xinhua) -- An exceptionally intense heat wave swept across Tunisia, pushing temperatures to nearly 50 degrees Celsius and breaking historical records in multiple regions, local media reported on Saturday.
Citing data from Anis Sattouri, an engineer at Tunisia's National Institute of Meteorology, private radio station Mosaique FM reported that Friday marked the peak of the heat wave, with temperatures far above seasonal norms.
The central governorate of Kairouan recorded 49.7 degrees Celsius, surpassing its previous record of 49.2 degrees. In the northeastern governorate of Zaghouan, the temperature hit 48.6 degrees, topping its prior high of 48 degrees.
The National Institute of Meteorology has placed 10 provinces under an orange alert, indicating high weather risk, with the rest under a yellow alert.
Meteorological and health authorities urge residents to take precautions, including limiting unnecessary travel during the hottest hours of the day, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and staying well hydrated. ■