Record ocean heat off California coast echoes ‘Blob,’ killing seabirds and reshaping weather outlook
A record marine heat wave has developed off the California coast, with ocean temperatures up to 7 degrees hotter than average, causing starving birds to wash ashore and potentially increasing the risk of thunderstorms and dry lightning. The heat wave, which has broken records dating back to 1916, is expected to continue for months and influence weather in California and the Southwestern U.S.
A record marine heat wave has developed in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast, with ocean temperatures spiking up to 7 degrees hotter than average. Researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography have recorded 38 days since January 1 when the surface temperature off their La Jolla pier broke records dating back to 1916. The heat wave is causing seabirds, including brown pelicans and common murres, to become emaciated and wash ashore due to a lack of accessible food. Scientists warn that the heat wave could increase the risk of thunderstorms and dry lightning, potentially worsening the wildfire season. The heat wave is expected to continue for months, influencing weather in California and the Southwestern U.S. A similar marine heat wave, known as 'The Blob,' occurred in 2014 and 2015, causing significant disruptions to marine ecosystems.
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