In a startling development amid growing concerns over climate change, water temperatures off the coast of South Florida soared to an astonishing 101.1 degrees Fahrenheit (38.4°C) on Monday evening, reaching levels comparable to a hot tub.
The record-breaking reading was taken by a buoy in Manatee Bay, located roughly 40 miles south of Miami, at 6:00 p.m., after registering a morning low of 91°F. Shockingly, the water remained at or above 100°F from 5 p.m. into late evening, raising alarm among climate scientists and marine biologists.
For perspective, the typical temperature range for a hot tub is between 100°F and 102°F, according to jacuzzi.com — highlighting the extreme nature of this oceanic heatwave.
While there are no official global records for sea surface temperatures, meteorologist Jeff Masters noted that the previous highest reliably observed sea temperature may have been 99.7°F in Kuwait Bay, according to a 2020 scientific study. If verified, the Manatee Bay temperature may be the hottest seawater ever recorded globally.
Experts are now examining the implications of such extreme marine heat, which poses serious threats to marine ecosystems, including coral bleaching, fish mortality, and disruption of oceanic weather patterns.
The incident underscores the escalating urgency for global climate action, as rising ocean temperatures are a direct consequence of increased greenhouse gas emissions and planetary warming.
