October 2023 in Tunisia ranks as the driest October since 1950 with a precipitation deficit of 96%, as reported by the Climatological Bulletin for October 2023, released on Monday by the National Institute of Meteorology (INM).
Across most regions, rainfall was virtually absent, except in a few northern stations where minimal quantities were recorded. The total precipitation for the month amounted to 41.1 mm, significantly below the normal of 1036.6 mm for the same stations, representing only 4% of the monthly average.
October 2023, the second hottest October in Tunisia since 1950
The INM also specified that October 2023 ranks as the second hottest October in Tunisia since 1950, with a temperature anomaly of +2.4°C, following October 2013 (+2.7°C). Following a historically warm and dry September, October continued the trend with anticyclonic, summery conditions prevailing across Tunisia.
Average temperatures in October 2023 ranged from 20.3°C in Thala to 26.7°C in Tozeur. The national average temperature
(27 main stations) reached 24.3°C, exceeding the reference average of 21.9°C by +2.4°C.
In line with the preceding months, October 2023 saw exceptionally high temperatures. Maximal temperature anomalies were notably remarkable. The heat peak on October 18 set a new record at the Nabeul station (35.8°C), surpassing the previous record of 35.4°C recorded on October 2, 2003. In the second half of the month, temperatures rose to unusually high levels for October.
Average maximum temperatures ranged from 25.9°C in Thala to 32.8°C in Medenine, surpassing reference averages in all regions, with variances from +1.1°C in Remada to +4.9°C in Nabeul. The absolute maximum temperature reached 39.1°C in Kairouan on October 19, 2023. The overall average maximum temperature surpassed the reference average at 30.7°C, with a difference of (+3.4) °C.
Minimum temperatures were also elevated, ranging from 14 degrees in Kef to 21.6 degrees in Mahdia, exceeding reference averages in all regions. Variances ranged from +0.1°C in M
atmata, Gabes to +2.6°C in Thala. The absolute minimum temperature reached 9.4°C in Siliana on October 22, 2023. The overall average minimum temperature reached 18°C, surpassing the reference average (16.6°C) by +1.4°C.
It is noteworthy that the European Copernicus Observatory had announced that October 2023 was the hottest ever recorded globally.
Generally weak to moderate winds
In October 2023, winds were generally weak to moderate, with their speed increasing on October 20 and 21, 2023, in most regions. Maximum speeds varied from 54 km/h in Nabeul, Kelibia, Tunis, Carthage, Kairouan, Sidi Bouzid, Sfax, Gafsa, and Gabes to 87 km/h in Thala.
Wind speed also increased during the period from October 27 to 30, 2023, in the northern regions and locally in the midland and southern regions, with maximum speeds ranging from 54 km/h in Kelibia to 65 km/h in Kef.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse