'Remarkable' warming reported in Central California coastal waters

Satellite images show the warming reported off the Central California coast during the first three weeks of July. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

By VERONICA ROCHA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Warming in California Central coastal waters leads to 'unusual encounters' with some fish species

Ocean temperatures along the Central California coast experienced a "remarkable" warming during the first three weeks of July, leading to unusual encounters with some fish species, scientists reported.

The warmer ocean correlated with weaker winds, which reduced coastal upwelling, allowing warmer water to move inshore, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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The warm water reached depths of 20 to 30 meters, allowing "unusual encounters" with ocean sunfish and sea nettles, scientists with the Southwest Fisheries Science Center reported.

Sea nettles were also spotted farther north than they are typically seen.

Sea surface temperatures were especially warm from July 15 to July 23.

In June, the NOAA reported that the first six months of 2014 were the hottest ever in California. And it was the second warmest year, on average, in Los Angeles in the last 70 years.

Just last week, forecasters said the chances of a wet El Niño weather pattern decreased to about 65%, and if it does arrive, it will probably be weaker than originally expected.

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