FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Things are supposed to warm up in June, but not this much — especially the waters off the East Atlantic, where many hurricanes form.
Recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data shows that sea-surface temperatures globally are well above normal for this time of year — last month had the warmest May ocean temperatures since 1850, when record keeping began, registering 1.53 degrees higher than normal.
What matters most to Floridians is the water temperature off the west coast of Africa. The sea surface temperature there is as much as 3.5 degrees hotter than the norm. That energy can act as an accelerant to this summer’s hurricane season, sending hurricanes toward the U.S. earlier than expected.
