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 south-west of the capital Tripoli, recording temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius, according to the Libyan National Meteorological Centre.

The weather monitoring station in Aziziya recorded the highest temperature in Libya so far in July, at 50 degrees Celsius.

The figure was based on measurements taken using a maximum thermometer inside a meteorological observation shelter, the centre said in a statement published on its official website.

Large areas of western Libya have experienced a significant rise in temperatures, ranging between 44 and 49 degrees Celsius in several regions due to the influence of a hot air mass, the centre added.

The heatwave has also coincided with added pressure on the electricity grid, as electricity demand rises due to intensive use of air conditioning systems.

The situation has led to scheduled power cuts in several cities, amid challenges facing the power sector due to limited generating capacity and increased consumption during the summer season.