The Gulf of Mexico has experienced unprecedented warming in May, with sea surface temperatures reaching record highs. The latest area-averaged value of 28.5°C is 1.6°C above the normal range for the date, according to NOAA OISST data. This rapid warming has resulted in the Gulf's heat content reaching record levels, which could significantly impact hurricane activity. The 'Loop Current' and other warm core eddies are particularly concerning as they can act as high octane fuel for hurricanes, potentially intensifying them to dangerous levels. Historical data shows that hurricanes like Katrina and Rita in 2005 rapidly intensified over these warm waters. Additionally, water temperatures across the Atlantic are also among the warmest on record for this time of year, signaling a potentially severe hurricane season ahead. In South Florida, water temperatures at Virginia Key have set record highs for 12 consecutive days, reaching levels typical of late July. Weekly record warmth has blossomed across Gulf waters in May, with 62% of the waters at record or near-record warmth by the end of the month, contributing to July-like heat along the South Texas shoreline.
Weekly record warmth has blossomed across Gulf waters in May — from only about 13% at record or near-record warmth to start the month to 62% to end it. Lots of record warm waters surrounding South Florida contributing to July-like heat, now creeping up the South Texas shoreline. https://t.co/6E92QmB3t3 https://t.co/v6HweXApZS
A fascinating ocean current loop can be seen as warm waters from the Caribbean Sea flow into the Gulf Stream. Over the last couple of months, the Gulf of Mexico has seen warming sea surface temperatures as summer draws near. https://t.co/8DuYP4QXwX
The Gulf Loop Current is record hot right now. But even in a normal season the warm core eddy can act as high octane fuel to energize hurricanes. In 2005, both Katrina and Rita exploded from low-end hurricanes to category 5 monsters right over the Loop. More in the video… https://t.co/FNaJvpcJwe https://t.co/ruw8NNeW6F
NEW: Water temperature measured at Virginia Key has hit record highs, reaching temperatures that are more common during the peak summer months of July and August, according to @BMcNoldy https://t.co/Fay2jIvJOE
The water temperature measured at Virginia Key (near Miami) has set a new record high for the 12th consecutive day on Wednesday... it's as warm as it typically would be in late July. https://t.co/LPATu8IvBp
Water temperatures across the Atlantic are among the warmest we’ve ever seen this time of year—a terrible sign heading into hurricane season. https://t.co/P5Qc9aDKf0
The "Loop Current" and other warm core eddies can have a huge impact on hurricanes in the Gulf. Right now heat content in the Gulf is record hot. So how can warm water currents like these impact hurricanes? And would you believe we name big eddies? That's today's Berardelli Bonus https://t.co/laAfo9zjTW
The Gulf of Mexico has quickly warmed during May. The latest area-averaged value of 28.5°C is 1.6°C above normal (1991-2020) for the date. 🥵 Data source: NOAA OISST https://t.co/DbkZw6E8k5
A quiet close to May is expected in the tropics, so today we look closer at the Gulf of Mexico, which has had a rather raucous May in terms of warming and currently sits at record levels: https://t.co/eBkPx9xILb Image: https://t.co/eQb11jYxMV https://t.co/471iIkKtN4