Temperatures will rise considerably this Saturday, exceeding seasonal norms by 8°C, engineer at the National Institute of Meteorology (INM) Sobhi Ben Ahmed told TAP. This rise will be felt particularly in the north-western regions, including Kef, Jendouba and Siliana, where highs will reach 43°C with sirocco wind blows. Seasonal norms for June vary between 27°C and 31°C in coastal regions, and between 32°C and 37°C elsewhere. The rise in temperatures in these regions is due to the south-west wind blowing in from the Algerian desert, carrying a warm, dry mass of air, explained Ben Ahmed. He added that the mercury will rise to 38°C in Tunis this afternoon, with sirocco wind blows across the capital. Highs will range between 31°C and 36°C in eastern coast regions and between 37°C and and 43°C elsewhere. With the exception of the Serrat region, the sea will be relatively calm and suitable for bathing in most coastal regions. A relative drop in temperatures is expected from Sunday June 9 in the northern regi ons, due to northerly air currents, the INM engineer pointed out, adding that the heat will persist in the centre and south. Finally, the mercury is expected to drop across the country from Wednesday June 12. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse