thermometer icon

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

Alaska-East Bering Sea

graph of annual mean sea surface temperature for the Alaska-East Bering Sea region from 1980-2020

Description of time series:

The time series shows the integrated sea surface temperature for this entire region.  During the last five years there has been a positive trend and values are greater than 90% of all observed data in the time series. 

 

Description of gauge:

This gauge does not show actual mean temperatures, but rather the gauge depicts the average of the last 5 years of data for Sea Surface Temperature relative to the median value of the entire time series.  A gauge indicating 75 or greater indicates warmer than average temperatures over the past 5 years, whereas a gauge indicating 25 or less indicates cooler than average temperatures over the time period. The current value indicates that sea surface temperature is at some of the hottest values of what has been observed. Persistently warm conditions such as these can result in profound changes to the regional ecosystem.

 

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

Alaska-Gulf of Alaska

graph of annual mean sea surface temperature for the Gulf of Alaska region from 1980-2020

Description of time series:

The time series shows the integrated sea surface temperature for this entire region.  During the last five years there has been a positive trend and values have remained within the 10th and 90th percentiles. 

 

Description of gauge:

This gauge does not show actual mean temperatures, but rather the gauge depicts the average of the last 5 years of data for Sea Surface Temperature relative to the median value of the entire time series.  A gauge indicating 75 or greater indicates warmer than average temperatures over the past 5 years, whereas a gauge indicating 25 or less indicates cooler than average temperatures over the time period. The current value indicates that sea surface temperature is at some of the hottest values of what has been observed. Persistently warm conditions such as these can result in profound changes to the regional ecosystem.

 

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

Hawaii-Pacific Islands

graph of annual mean sea surface temperature for the Hawaii-Pacific Islands region from 1980-2020

Description of time series:

The time series shows the integrated sea surface temperature for this entire region.  During the last five years there has been a positive trend and values are greater than 90% of all observed data in the time series. 

 

Description of gauge:

This gauge does not show actual mean temperatures, but rather the gauge depicts the average of the last 5 years of data for Sea Surface Temperature relative to the median value of the entire time series.  A gauge indicating 75 or greater indicates warmer than average temperatures over the past 5 years, whereas a gauge indicating 25 or less indicates cooler than average temperatures over the time period. The current value indicates that sea surface temperature is at some of the hottest values of what has been observed. Persistently warm conditions such as these can result in profound changes to the regional ecosystem.

 

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

California Current

graph of annual mean sea surface temperature for the California Current region from 1980-2020

Description of time series:

The time series shows the integrated sea surface temperature for this entire region.  During the last five years there has been no notable trend and values have remained within the 10th and 90th percentiles. 

 

Description of gauge:

This gauge does not show actual mean temperatures, but rather the gauge depicts the average of the last 5 years of data for Sea Surface Temperature relative to the median value of the entire time series.  A gauge indicating 75 or greater indicates warmer than average temperatures over the past 5 years, whereas a gauge indicating 25 or less indicates cooler than average temperatures over the time period. The current value indicates that sea surface temperature is near the hotter end of what has been observed. Persistently warm conditions such as these can result in profound changes to the regional ecosystem.

 

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

Gulf of Mexico

graph of annual mean sea surface temperature for the Gulf of Mexico region from 1980-2020

Description of time series:

The time series shows the integrated sea surface temperature for this entire region.  During the last five years there has been a positive trend and values have remained within the 10th and 90th percentiles. 

 

Description of gauge:

This gauge does not show actual mean temperatures, but rather the gauge depicts the average of the last 5 years of data for Sea Surface Temperature relative to the median value of the entire time series.  A gauge indicating 75 or greater indicates warmer than average temperatures over the past 5 years, whereas a gauge indicating 25 or less indicates cooler than average temperatures over the time period. The current value indicates that sea surface temperature is near the hotter end of what has been observed. Persistently warm conditions such as these can result in profound changes to the regional ecosystem.

 

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

Caribbean

graph of annual mean sea surface temperature for the Caribbean region from 1980-2020

Description of time series:

The time series shows the integrated sea surface temperature for this entire region.  During the last five years there has been a positive trend and values are greater than 90% of all observed data in the time series. 

 

Description of gauge:

This gauge does not show actual mean temperatures, but rather the gauge depicts the average of the last 5 years of data for Sea Surface Temperature relative to the median value of the entire time series.  A gauge indicating 75 or greater indicates warmer than average temperatures over the past 5 years, whereas a gauge indicating 25 or less indicates cooler than average temperatures over the time period. The current value indicates that sea surface temperature is at some of the hottest values of what has been observed. Persistently warm conditions such as these can result in profound changes to the regional ecosystem.

 

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

Southeast

graph of annual mean sea surface temperature for the Southeast US region from 1980-2020

Description of time series:

The time series shows the integrated sea surface temperature for this entire region.  During the last five years there has been a positive trend and values have remained within the 10th and 90th percentiles. 

 

Description of gauge:

This gauge does not show actual mean temperatures, but rather the gauge depicts the average of the last 5 years of data for Sea Surface Temperature relative to the median value of the entire time series.  A gauge indicating 75 or greater indicates warmer than average temperatures over the past 5 years, whereas a gauge indicating 25 or less indicates cooler than average temperatures over the time period. The current value indicates that sea surface temperature is near the hotter end of what has been observed. Persistently warm conditions such as these can result in profound changes to the regional ecosystem.

 

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

Northeast US

graph of annual mean sea surface temperature for the Northeast US region from 1980-2020

Description of time series:

The time series shows the integrated sea surface temperature for this entire region.  During the last five years there has been no notable trend and values are greater than 90% of all observed data in the time series. 

 

Description of gauge:

This gauge does not show actual mean temperatures, but rather the gauge depicts the average of the last 5 years of data for Sea Surface Temperature relative to the median value of the entire time series.  A gauge indicating 75 or greater indicates warmer than average temperatures over the past 5 years, whereas a gauge indicating 25 or less indicates cooler than average temperatures over the time period. The current value indicates that sea surface temperature is at some of the hottest values of what has been observed. Persistently warm conditions such as these can result in profound changes to the regional ecosystem.

 

Description of Sea Surface Temperature:

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is defined as the average temperature of the top few millimeters of the ocean. This temperature impacts the rate of all physical, chemical, and most biological processes occurring in the ocean. Sea Surface Temperature is globally monitored by sensors on satellites, buoys, ships, ocean reference stations, AUVs and other technologies. 

 

Sea Surface Temperature monitoring tells us how the ocean and atmosphere interact, as well as providing fundamental data on the global climate system. This information also aids us in weather prediction i.e. identifying the onset of El Niño and La Niña cycles - multiyear shifts in atmospheric pressure and wind speeds. These shifts affect ocean circulation, global weather patterns, and marine ecosystems. Sea Surface Temperature anomalies have been linked to shifting marine resources. With warming temperatures, we observe the poleward movements of fish and other species. Temperature extremes - both ocean heatwaves and cold spells, have been linked to coral bleaching as well as fishery and aquaculture mortality. We present annual average SST in all regions.

 

Data:

The sea surface temperature were accessed from (https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oisst).  The data are plotted in degrees Celsius.

Resources

IOOS and Bio-TT

The 34 IOOS Core Variables: Ocean observing measurements required to detect and predict changes in the ocean

Global Climate Indicators

The Global Climate Indicators are a set of parameters that describe the changing climate without reducing climate change to only temperature. They comprise key information for the most relevant domains of climate change: temperature and energy, atmospheric composition, ocean, and water as well as the cryosphere. 

GOOS Essential Ocean Variables

The ocean environment is vast, remote, and harsh, and the cost involved in its observation are high. There is a need to avoid duplication of efforts, across observing platforms and networks, and to adopt common standards for data collection and dissemination to maximize the utility of data. To address these concerns, the Framework is designed to approach ocean observations with a focus on Essential Ocean Variables, ensuring assessments that cut across platforms and recommend the best, most cost effective plan to provide an optimal global view for each EOV.

Climate Change Indicators in the US (4th Edition)

EPA partners with more than 40 data contributors from various government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations to compile a key set of indicators related to the causes and effects of climate change. The indicators are published in EPA's report, Climate Change Indicators in the United States, available on this website and in print. Explore the indicators below.

U.S. Global Change Research Program

Indicators are observations or calculations that can be used to track conditions and trends. Indicators related to climate—which may be physical, ecological, or societal—can be used to understand how environmental conditions are changing, assess risks and vulnerabilities, and help inform resiliency and planning for climate impacts.

Sea Surface Temperature - Map Viewer - Climate Prediction Center GIS Portal

NOAA Climate.gov provides science and information for a climate-smart nation. Americans’ health, security, and economic well-being are closely linked to climate and weather. People want and need information to help them make decisions on how to manage climate-related risks and opportunities they face.

NOAA Climate.gov is a source of timely and authoritative scientific data and information about climate. Our goals are to promote public understanding of climate science and climate-related events, to make our data products and services easy to access and use, to provide climate-related support to the private sector and the Nation’s economy, and to serve people making climate-related decisions with tools and resources that help them answer specific questions.

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Contour Charts - Office of Satellite and Product Operations

The Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) manages and directs the operation of the central ground facilities which ingest, process, and distribute environmental satellite data and derived products to domestic and foreign users.

Sea Surface Temperature - NOAA CoastWatch

NOAA CoastWatch/OceanWatch provides easy access for everyone to global and regional satellite data products for use in understanding, managing and protecting ocean and coastal resources and for assessing impacts of environmental change in ecosystems, weather, and climate.

Marine/Ocean Data - NCEI

NCEI receives and archives meteorological data from ships at sea, moored and drifting buoys, coastal stations, rigs, and platforms. The temporal frequency of the observations range from sub-hourly to six-hourly synoptic and are global in spatial coverage.

CORE IOOS VARIABLES

The 34 IOOS Core Variables: Ocean observing measurements required to detect and predict changes in the ocean