Libya Weather: Stable Conditions With Continued High Temperatures in the South

Coastal Areas Hit 32°C as Southern Regions Reach 43°C

Libya's National Center of Meteorology reported on June 11 that most regions will experience relatively stable weather over the coming days, with daytime temperatures ranging from 27°C on the coast to a scorching 43°C in the south. The center noted that a gradual temperature drop is expected to begin on Friday in northwestern Libya, offering some relief after several days of intense heat.

The coastal strip from Ras Ajdir to Sirte will see temperatures between 27°C and 32°C, with sea surface temperatures holding steady at 23–24°C. Meanwhile, inland areas including the Jifara Plain and Nafusa Mountains will record highs between 33°C and 39°C. The southern regions — including Sebha, Ghat, and Ghadames — will endure the most extreme conditions, with thermometers climbing to 38–43°C.

Thunderstorms Expected Over Interior and Border Regions

The forecast indicates cloud buildup this evening over Sinawin, Al-Shaqiqah, parts of the Western Mountain range, Tarhuna, Bani Walid, Muzdah, and Al-Qaryat, with possible thunderstorm cells bringing scattered rainfall. Additional cloud formation is expected on Friday evening over Ghadames, Al-Hamadah, Al-Jufra, the Haruj mountains, and border areas near Algeria, including Gat and Al-Ouainat.

According to the center's daily bulletin, these thunderstorms will be accompanied by intermittent rain showers, which could provide temporary relief in affected areas. The eastern coast from Ras Lanuf to Amsaad will remain stable with calm seas and wave heights between 25 centimeters and one meter.

Key Temperature Zones Across Libya

  • Western Coast (Ras Ajdir–Sirte): 27–32°C, light to moderate humidity, sea waves 0.5–2 meters
  • Inland Regions (Jifara, Nafusa): 33–39°C, partly cloudy with evening thunderstorm potential
  • Southern Libya (Sebha, Ghat, Ghadames): 38–42°C, cloud buildup with scattered thunderstorms
  • Eastern Coast (Ras Lanuf–Amsaad): 27–31°C, stable conditions, possible late-night fog near Amsaad
  • Oases (Al-Sirir, Tazirbo, Al-Kufra): 38–40°C, clear to partly cloudy skies

Gradual Cooling Starting Friday

The National Center of Meteorology confirmed that temperatures will begin to moderate gradually starting Friday across northwestern Libya, with the cooling trend reaching eastern Libyan regions by Saturday. Residents in the Gulf region and Benghazi plain can expect a slight drop over the next two days, bringing temperatures down to more manageable levels.

However, the center warned that southern areas will continue to experience elevated temperatures well above 38°C through the weekend. The improvement is expected to become more pronounced across most parts of the country by early next week, particularly in northern regions.

Maritime Conditions Remain Calm

No maritime warnings have been issued along the Libyan coastline. The western coastal stretch from Ras Ajdir to Sirte will see light to moderately rough seas with wave heights between half a meter and two meters. The eastern coast from Ras Lanuf to Amsaad will enjoy calm to slightly choppy conditions with waves between 25 centimeters and one meter. Horizontal visibility remains good across all coastal areas.

Sea surface temperatures along both the western and eastern coasts are holding at 23–24°C, which is typical for mid-June conditions in the central Mediterranean.

What This Means for Libyans

With the peak summer heat now firmly established across Libya, residents in southern and interior regions should take precautions against heat-related health risks. The expected temperature drop starting Friday will bring welcome relief to northern areas, but southern communities — including Sebha, Ghat, and Al-Kufra — will continue facing extreme conditions.

The forecast thunderstorms over interior regions could bring both benefits and risks: temporary cooling and water supply replenishment, but also potential flash flood dangers in low-lying areas. Residents in Bani Walid, Tarhuna, and the Western Mountain range should monitor local conditions closely this evening and Friday.

Looking ahead, the broader cooling trend expected early next week suggests that the worst of this heat wave may be over for northern Libya, even as the south endures the summer's grip for weeks to come.

— LibyaPress / Libya Desk