Share to ClassroomNOAA: Pacific Ocean Heatwave Will Grow
A huge area of warm water sits in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from Hawaii to British Columbia and south to Mexico. In mid-May, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said this marine heatwave will grow bigger in the coming months. At Scripps research center in California, ocean temperatures are 3 to 7°F above average. Since January, 38 daily heat records have been broken.
A marine heatwave is a long time when the ocean is much warmer than normal. When water is too warm, cold water can not rise easily. This cold water brings food for small fish and krill (tiny sea animals) . Without it, fish swim deeper, and seabirds work harder for food. From 2014 to 2018, a warm area called the Blob killed one million seabirds. El Niño is also forming. El Niño changes Pacific weather worldwide. Forecasters give a more than two-in-three chance of a strong El Niño this year.
Warning signs appear. Scientists in California have counted dozens of dead seabirds on beaches. Brown pelicans left nests in Mexico early and flew north. A great white shark was seen near British Columbia for the first time. The western United States had its warmest winter on record. In March, some states were 30°F hotter than normal. Scientists warn of wildfires and more fish loss.
