Sea surface temperatures across the Gulf of Mexico are averaging 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit above normal for mid-April, raising concerns among hurricane forecasters about the potential intensity of storms this season. Several areas are already at levels typically not seen until June.
The warm waters provide additional fuel for tropical systems and can accelerate rapid intensification, the phenomenon where hurricanes strengthen dramatically in short periods. This trend contributed to several surprise major hurricanes in recent years.
NOAA researchers are monitoring the situation closely and plan to deploy additional ocean buoys to improve real-time temperature monitoring ahead of the June 1 hurricane season start.
