Libya is experiencing a severe heatwave that has intensified ongoing power shortages, prompting widespread protests and disruptions across the country. Temperatures in the northern regions, which are typically cooler than the desert areas, have reached between 39°C and 48°C, according to the national meteorological centre. This surge in heat comes amid a backdrop of growing concerns over climate change, which experts say is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

The heatwave has forced the General Electricity Company of Libya to reintroduce rolling blackouts, sometimes implemented twice daily, affecting water supplies, economic activity, and telecommunications. While power outages were once common in Libya, improvements over the past three years had reduced their frequency. However, the recent return of blackouts has been particularly burdensome for residents.

In Tripoli and its suburbs, hundreds of people demonstrated on Sunday evening in response to the power cuts. Protesters gathered in front of government offices, ministries, and state-owned companies, using rubble and sand to block entrances. Social media circulated images showing young demonstrators setting tires on fire and obstructing roads in the capital as well as in the nearby towns of Tajura, Janzur, and Ain Zara.

“The power cuts last between six and seven hours. We are forced to use the generator and boost the refrigeration of goods, to prevent them from spoiling,” said Anas Al-Deeb, a local butcher, highlighting the challenges businesses face during these outages.

Despite Libya holding the largest oil reserves in Africa, the country's electricity infrastructure suffers from insufficient investment and ongoing political divisions, which have hindered reliable power supply. The strain on the national grid is comparable to recent experiences in neighboring Tunisia, where heatwaves and increased air conditioning demand have also led to extended outages.

Authorities have attributed the power interruptions to the extraordinary heat and increased electricity consumption, but protesters blame mismanagement and lack of government response for the worsening conditions. The situation underscores the broader challenges facing Libya as it grapples with climate pressures amid political instability and infrastructure deficits.