Heatwave with temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius hits western Libya

Tripoli (ANTARA) - A severe heatwave has struck western Libya, with the city of Aziziya, located about 40 km southwest of the capital Tripoli, recording a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius, according to the Libyan National Meteorological Centre. A weather monitoring station in Aziziya recorded the highest temperature in Libya so far this July, reaching 50 degrees Celsius. The data was based on measurements taken using a maximum thermometer inside an observation shelter, the centre said in a statement published on its official page. Vast areas of western Libya experienced a significant rise in temperatures, ranging between 44 and 49 degrees Celsius, due to the influence of hot air masses, the centre added. The heatwave has coincided with increased pressure on the electricity grid, as demand has surged due to intensive use of air conditioning systems. This situation has led to scheduled power cuts in several cities, amid challenges facing the electricity sector due to limited generation capacity and rising consumption during the summer.