Marine heat waves impact Florida
What we know:
Right now, ocean waters near Florida, the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and the Gulf are experiencing a "marine heat wave." Florida, being a coastal state heavily impacted by hurricanes, faces increased risks due to these marine heat waves.
The abnormally warm ocean waters near Florida and the Keys have already reached temperatures above normal for this time of year. This month, Buoy Key in the Florida Keys recorded a water temperature of 99 degrees.
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The backstory:
Last week's intense heat wave over land enhanced this water-warming effect, especially over the Atlantic waters adjacent to Florida and over the entire Gulf.
Last year, both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton were both intensified by marine