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Talking tropics: Sea surface temperatures

Warm sea surface temperatures are the fuel for tropical systems

It is time to talk tropics again as the WMAZ weather team continues to track an upper level low that will push into the Gulf of Mexico by Wednesday.

Credit: wmaz

This disturbance will call the Gulf home for several days, where sea surface temperatures are in the upper 80's, near 90. 

This is extremely favorable for tropical development, as warm water is the fuel for tropical systems.

Credit: wmaz

Off the Atlantic coast, the water is still warm enough for tropical development, but not as warm as the Gulf of Mexico. 

Water in takes longer to heat up than land, since the Atlantic is much larger compared to the Gulf, it will take slightly longer for the Atlantic to reach its full potential.

July is the hottest month of the year, but it takes a couple months after July for the oceans to reach it's full potential and bring us into the peak of hurricane season.

Credit: wmaz

We will continue to monitor the tropics as we go through hurricane season to stay tuned to 13 WMAZ and be sure to download the 13 WMAZ app.

STAY ALERT | Download our FREE app now to receive weather alerts. You can find the app on iTunes and Google Play.

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