The Atlantic Ocean basin is dealing with unprecedented situations in 2024. A extreme marine heatwave has developed within the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and off Florida’s coast, with water temperatures reaching the low 90s. The Florida Keys and the Bahamas are beneath a bleaching warning as a consequence of record-high temperatures, stressing coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Some areas are 5-8°F above regular.
Practically your entire tropical Atlantic is experiencing a marine heatwave. These report temperatures will gas stronger hurricanes. A 2°F rise in sea temperatures can enhance hurricane wind speeds by over 13%, doubtlessly turning a 140 mph Class 4 hurricane right into a 160 mph Class 5, tripling the harm potential.
With La Niña creating favorable situations for hurricane improvement, NOAA has issued its most aggressive hurricane season forecast on report for 2024.