The National Office of Meteorology (الديوان الوطني للأرصاد الجوية) issued a special bulletin on Sunday, warning of severe heatwaves exceeding 45°C across several wilayas. This full alert from the National Office of Meteorology noted the potential for significant weather impacts across various regions. The bulletin also included warnings for record heatwaves and thunderstorms in various wilayas. This alert is valid from Sunday until Monday, indicating a short-term but intense period of adverse weather conditions that residents should prepare for. The office emphasized the need for vigilance due to the extreme temperatures and potential for severe storms.
Intense Heatwave Forecast
The National Meteorology Office's bulletin indicated that heatwaves exceeding 40°C are expected across the wilayas of Ain Témouchent, Oran, Mostaganem, Tipaza, and Algiers. These areas are anticipated to experience challenging conditions due to the elevated temperatures. The forecast also warned of severe heatwaves for Chlef, Relizane, and Ain Defla, where maximum temperatures are predicted to range between 44° and 45°C. Residents in these specific wilayas are advised to take extra precautions against the intense heat.
Additionally, the bulletin specified that heatwaves would affect Béjaïa, Jijel, Skikada, Annaba, and El Tarf. For these wilayas, temperatures are expected to range between 40° and 42°C. The validity for this 40° to 42°C heatwave in Béjaïa, Jijel, Skikada, Annaba, and El Tarf extends until Monday, indicating a sustained period of high temperatures. The office reiterated its warning of record heatwaves across Chlef, Relizane, and Ain Defla, forecasting temperatures to be between 44° and 45°C for these areas. The validity for this 44° to 45°C heatwave in Chlef, Relizane, and Ain Defla is set for both Monday and Tuesday, signifying a prolonged period of extreme heat. The bulletin further noted that the validity for the 40°-42°C heatwave extends until Tuesday in some areas, while the validity for the 44°-45°C heatwave also extends until Tuesday in certain wilayas, underlining the extended duration of these dangerous conditions.
Thunderstorm Warnings Issued
The National Meteorology Office's bulletin also warned of thunderstorms affecting wilayas including Ouargla, El Meniâ, Touggourt, Ghardaïa, Batna, Biskra, El M'Ghair, Sidi Bel Abbès, Tissemsilt, Laghouat, Tindouf, In Guezzam, and Bordj Bou Arréridj. These thunderstorms could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential disruptions. The office issued a Level 2 warning concerning the continuation of heatwaves alongside these thunderstorms, noting a complex weather pattern that combines high temperatures with severe storm activity. This dual threat requires particular attention from residents and local authorities.
Additional wilayas mentioned in the bulletin for potential weather impacts included Relizane, Ghardaïa, Beni Abbès, Msila, Bordj Badji Mokhtar, Tiaret, Khenchela, Batna, Sétif, Djelfa, Tlemcen, El Bayadh, Médéa, Biskra, Adrar, Saïda, Naâma, Bouira, Ouled Djellal, and Bechar. This extensive list shows the widespread nature of the anticipated weather phenomena, affecting numerous regions across the country. The combined alerts show a period of significant weather volatility across multiple regions, urging citizens to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Validity and Warning Levels
The bulletin issued by the National Meteorology Office carried a Level 2 warning, indicated in orange. This Level 2 warning signifies a moderate to high risk of dangerous weather conditions. The validity period for heatwaves expecting temperatures of 40° to 42°C extends until Tuesday in some areas, indicating that these conditions will persist beyond the initial Sunday-Monday timeframe. Similarly, the bulletin indicates that the 44° to 45°C heatwave is also valid until Tuesday in certain wilayas, pointing to a prolonged period of extreme heat. The validity for the 40° to 42°C heatwave specifically in Béjaïa, Jijel, Skikada, Annaba, and El Tarf extends until Monday. For Chlef, Relizane, and Ain Defla, the validity for the 44° to 45°C heatwave is set for both Monday and Tuesday, ensuring that residents in these particularly affected areas are aware of the sustained high temperatures.