Is anybody else out there tracking Gulf of Mexico water termpertures?

[hatrack]

Just curious. Near-shore western Gulf is lower than July averages, but stand well offshore and buoy readings are coming in between five and six degrees (F) abover averages. Interesting.

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/wgof.html

Eastern Gulf mostly N/A today:

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/egof.html

[ret5hd]

1. We've had a hell of a lot of rain recently...

Could the colder near-shore temps be caused by above average river runoff (cooler, denser) into the gulf, pushing the warmer (less dense) waters farther out?

[hatrack]

2. Very possible, after seeing TX weather for the last month or so

LOTS of freshwater moving out into the Gulf.

[philb]

3. Some areas offshore hotter than normal currently; big increase over last 30 years

Louisana offshore water temp higher than normal; Texas slightly less- lots of rain there
http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/wgof.html

Florida East coast slightly warmer than usual currently
http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/satl.html

ocean water temperatures have increased significantly over the last 30 years
throughout the Gulf and Atlantic regions; but biggest temp. increases in Great Lakes area
www.flcv.com/sitesum.html

[phantom power]

4. I have been. Mostly, it's a waiting game to see what the jet stream does.

We can pretty much assume above (historical) normal SSTs from now on. Now, it's just down to obtaining low wind shear, moist air and favorable steering winds.

[phantom power]

5. My new favorite SST graphic: heat potential

heat-energy wise, the Gulf is now pretty ripe.