Southern California Faces Prolonged Marine Heatwave Concerns
Southern California is experiencing record high ocean temperatures, raising concerns about a prolonged marine heatwave. According to The Guardian, several shoreline stations have reported temperatures significantly above historical averages, with La Jolla station recording temperatures 10°F above normal last month. This heatwave, which began last fall, is attributed to a high-pressure atmospheric system rather than the typical El Niño currents. The phenomenon has drawn comparisons to 'the Blob', a previous marine heatwave that severely impacted marine life. Scientists are monitoring the situation closely to determine if the heatwave will dissipate or intensify, potentially leading to larger impacts later in the year.