The ocean's main hurricane development area is much hotter in 2024 than recent averages

Notes
Ocean heat content (OHC) is a measure of the amount of heat present in ocean water. It is measured in kilajoules per cm². The data above show the OHC for the area of the Atlantic Ocean where the majority of major Atlantic Hurricanes form, seen in the map above. Data accessed on Aug. 2, 2024
Source: Brian McNoldy, University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth ScienceCredit: Daniel Wood/NPR