Curious How Water Temperatures Are Gathered
AP
Many folks have noticed that not only have the air temperatures been warmer than normal this summer, but the ocean waters have as well.
The lakes and oceans have been running a few degrees above normal and compared to last year, there is a very big difference.
You may remember we had a very cool, cloudy start to last summer and that helped to hold ocean water temps down a bit. So far this summer has been the exact opposite. Not only have daytime highs been in the 80s and 90s each day but we haven't even been able to cool off at night.
If you have a pool it probably feels more like a sauna!
This prompted Rick in Somerville to Declared His Curiosity:
"In the weather forecast, you give water temperatures. Where are they taken?"
WBZ meteorologist Todd Gutner has the answer.
We don't exactly go up and down the coast with a thermometer in hand, although many local beaches do report water temps from time-to-time.
There are two main sources we look at to get accurate surface temperatures from the ocean.
The best data available is from the many buoys located just off our coastline. Most of them are outfitted with NOAA weather sensors and report back with numerous sets of weather data and conditions.
For a larger look at the entire ocean, we use satellite data. From thousands of miles above our Earth's surface, satellites are constantly scanning the ground not only for clouds, but they can also detect surface temperatures as well.
While it may not be quite as accurate as actual buoy data, it remains the best way to get an idea of the temperatures over the entire ocean.
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