Water temperatures across the globe have been exceptionally warm in the past few weeks and we're starting to see the impacts in our own backyard. Across the southern tip of Florida across the Keys, surface water temperatures nearing and surpassing 100 degrees were recorded on Monday.
A sensor that was placed 5 feet underwater in Manatee Bay recorded a temperature of 101.1 degrees. If that number is validated, it will set a world record for the highest sea surface temperature. The warmest water temperature ever recorded to date was 99.7°F in the middle of Kuwait Bay. In order to validate this temperature, the background environment of the sensor has to be taken into consideration. According to Dr. Jeff Masters, a hurricane scientist for NOAA, temperature sensors located close to the coast may lead to a warm bias in the data.
With this possibility in mind, an investigation will need to be conducted to determine its validity. Whether or not it is validated, the impacts are already being felt across the area. Coral reefs are showing signs of bleaching, which may have impacts to marine life further down the road.
Here at home, warmer water temperatures mean more fuel for tropical storms and hurricanes to feed off of as they move through the Gulf. Also, warmer water temperatures keep coastal areas warmer overnight and lead to more humidity. We have seen this across Southeast Texas over the last two months. Higher humidity levels than last year have led to heat advisories and excessive heat warnings as heat index values have reached dangerous levels. Water temperatures could turn even warmer over the next month as we move into the middle of summer.