Why an immense marine heatwave off the US west coast has alarmed scientists
Summary
A large marine heatwave off the US west coast has lasted since September 2025 and is expected to grow stronger. This heatwave is causing big changes in ocean and weather patterns, affecting marine life and leading to unusually high temperatures on land across the United States.Key Facts
- The marine heatwave stretches from California to Hawaii, British Columbia, and Mexico.
- It peaked in size in September 2025 and is still expanding.
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts it will get stronger in coming months.
- The heatwave may work with El Niño to affect global weather and marine food chains.
- Ocean temperatures recently reached levels warmer than peak hurricane season waters.
- The heatwave helped cause extreme land temperatures, with some places reaching more than 30°F above normal in March 2026.
- Over one-third of US weather stations set new temperature records in March 2026.
- Low snowpack and worsening drought have been reported in western states due to warm, dry conditions linked to the heatwave.
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