Take a look at how hot the Gulf of Mexico waters are. Hurricanes anyone?

[Silverhair]

http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/

That site is a daily update of the surface temprature of the waters of the Western Hemisphere, Equator to 55 degrees N Latitude.

Hurricanes feed off of hot water.

[HeeBGBz]

1. I'm surprised we haven't had more this month

Been quiet since July. Hope that's not a bad sign for September (a dangerously kick ass hurricane month)

[Dr.Phool]

2. I know yesterday the Gulf was 94 degrees

Just off of Clearwater Beach.

[HereSince1628]

3. Any comment on how typical/atypical those temps are?

The water is certainly warm by my experience in Wisconsin...heck the that water is warmer than the 3rd bath in a Luthern family's Saturday night. But what are the norms?

[Silverhair]

4. I have watched it every year for the past 7 years.

But that is a small sample base. It is hotter earlier than I remember, but 7 years proves nothing. I don't know where to find the norms long term norms. That's why I didn't way anything about global warming. But is a big hot spot that should provide plenty of hurricane food.

[Dr.Phool]

6. The weatherman on Tampa Bay's 10 News

Said he's been doing the weather here for over 25 years, and has never seen the Gulf hit 90 degrees before.

[HereSince1628]

7. There it is, then. Warmest temps in a generation

Best wishes and hopes of good luck to the Gulf Coast.

[libertypirate]

5. MODIS Rapidfire gallery

http://rapidfire.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/

[cdsilv]

8. ....been out fishing in June and July

and the water temps (as measured by the fish finder) were in the high
80's - this is 10-14 miles offshore

[AuntPatsy]

9. Its been over a hundred every day since I can remember in the shade at my

house...crazy..