In this image provide by NOAA, the sun shines on coral showing sign of bleaching at Cheeca Rocks off the coast of Islamorada, Fla., on July 23, 2023. Scientists have seen devastating effects from prolonged hot water surrounding Florida — coral bleaching and some death.
(Andrew Ibarra/NOAA via AP)
Andrew Ibarra/AP
MySA
By Catherine Wilson
This summer has produced some of the hottest temperatures on record. The hot streak of 100+ degree days has not only impacted water and energy supplies, but also the surface temperatures of oceans.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the Gulf of Mexico experienced its highest weekly sea surface temperature average on record. Since 1981, recorded temperatures had never broken 87 degrees, but for the week of August 8 temperatures hit a new average high of 88 degrees — 2.6 degrees higher than the 1991-2020 average.
From the Gulf of Mexico warming trend to impacts on hurricane season, here are four key takeaways from the record-breaking surface temperature increase in the Gulf that prompt concern for Texas residents.
Gulf of Mexico marine heat wave
The Gulf of Mexico has been experiencing a marine heat wave over the last several months. Starting around February, recorded ocean temperatures were at least 90% warmer than in similar recorded times of year. Gulf waters in South Florida, where the temperature readings are taken, have been registering at the highest since 1981, according to NOAA.
NOAA experts say there is a 70 to 100% chance that the marine heat wave will preside over the southern Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, which can feed storms into the Gulf of Mexico, until at least October.
Marine heat wave causes
Like all of Earth's oceans, the Gulf of Mexico works to absorb and store excess heat from Earth's atmosphere. As the oceans work to absorb heat, sea surface temperatures increase, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Oceans have absorbed 93% of the heat trapped in the atmosphere since 1970, resulting in warmer sea surface temperatures. However, an increase in greenhouse gasses such as CO2 emissions are also being absorbed by the oceans resulting in an increase in ocean acidity, according to Climate Central.
Marine heat wave effects
Long-term effects of marine heat waves can have a profound impact on life under the ocean. Increases in sea surface temperatures can also reduce the circulation patterns that bring nutrients up from the depths of the oceans to the surface. These changes can result in drastic changes to sea life populations and diminish otherwise thriving ecosystems, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Warming sea surface temperatures also impact the climate at large by increasing the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere over oceans. The increased vapor can give way to more precipitation. The warmer temperatures can also shift the trajectory of storms, resulting in some areas getting more rain than others or not receiving any at all, according to the EPA.
Gulf of Mexico hurricane impact
One of the biggest changes warmer ocean surface temperatures can have is to a hurricane.
"Warmer water means tropical systems have more fuel to become powerful," said Hearst Meteorologist Justin Ballard. "We haven't had any tropical trouble in the Gulf so far this season, but if something were to enter the Gulf, [Texas would] be at greater risk of a more intense tropical system."
Tropical cyclones are energized by warm tropical waters, which effect the formation and influences the behavior of a storm system. More powerful storms could damage communities located on the coast and compromise the future of the wetlands, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
Prior to the start of hurricane season, NOAA predicted at least 12 to 17 named storms for the Atlantic. Five to nine of the predicted storms could become a hurricane.