Tunisia has been experiencing noticeable temperature instability in recent days, with warm afternoons followed by unusually cool nights. Speaking to Tunisie Numérique on Monday, December 8, 2025, climate specialist Adel Hentati provided insights into the unusual weather patterns currently affecting the country.
According to Hentati, this instability is the result of an ongoing clash between contrasting air masses. Very cold and humid polar air masses originating from the Atlantic Ocean and Europe are moving toward the Mediterranean and Tunisia. At the same time, the Atlantic remains influenced by a major warm current, leading to strong thermal contrasts over Europe and the Mediterranean.
This collision generates significant rainfall over Western Europe, with the systems gradually shifting toward Tunisia, causing both rainfall and a noticeable drop in temperatures.
However, Hentati adds that during other periods of the week, warm air masses from the Sahara and tropical regions push northward. He explains that such intrusions — previously rare — are now becoming more frequent due to climate change, altering the seasonal weather dynamics.
“We are now seeing colder nights and warmer-than-average daytime temperatures because polar currents are no longer dominant,” he notes.
The expert attributes these atmospheric changes to rising sea levels in the oceans and the Mediterranean, which enhance evaporation while cold air persists at altitude. As a result, Hentati expects more rainfall throughout December, though weather fluctuations will continue.
What can Tunisians expect this week?
Based on data from the European Copernicus Climate Service, Hentati indicates that Tunisia should experience light and localized rain, not exceeding 20 to 30 mm at most over the week.
Despite this, warm air from the Sahara is likely to bring intermittent temperature spikes, especially during daytime hours. Thick cloud cover will also affect some parts of the country.
Hentati emphasizes that this high-variability weather will likely remain a defining feature of December, as the country awaits a return to more stable winter conditions.
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