Warm ocean, jellyfish and a possible 'Super El Niño' ahead
Zuma Beach water is 7 degrees above normal, jellyfish and stingrays are showing up early, and forecasters warn of a major El Niño this fall.
The water temperature this morning at Zuma Beach is 64, which is 7 degrees above the historical norm. Jellyfish have appeared in the ocean. That's usually a summertime event.
The big warm blob, that unusual mass of warm water just off the California coast, is on the shore this year.
Accuweather, a private weather forecasting service, warns that the developing El Niño could strengthen into a significant "Super El Niño" event in the months ahead. Impacts could begin to emerge as soon as this summer.
El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures rise above average across the central and eastern Pacific, near the equator. A super El Niño might bring big storms to the West Coast and a strong southern storm track into Southern California this fall.
And although the ocean warming is expected to develop this year, it will be next year when the highest global temperatures linked to it would occur.
The big warm blob floating off of the West Coast could trigger a marine heat wave that is separate from El Niño.
"It will likely bring spotty thunderstorms into California this summer, perhaps more meaningful rain from a few East Pacific tropical storms as well," Merrill said. However, those thunderstorms also carry risks. "Keep in mind thunderstorms can produce a bit of lightning that leads to wildfires as well," he added.
And that marine heat wave may blow out this year's June gloom. Accuweather is predicting that the number of days in June with low clouds that are stubborn along and inland from the coast in Southern California won't live up to its full potential this year. And this summer will likely feel more muggy than normal.
As for the jellyfish, the ones found off Southern California are usually smaller in scale and have a more mild sting than other species found around the world. But they can cause pain and a rash. Detached tentacles washed up on the sand remain active and can still deliver a painful sting if touched or stepped on. Severe cases can cause fever and muscle cramps, which should prompt a victim to see a doctor.
L.A. County Fire Department lifeguards are warning beachgoers that stingray incidents are also on the rise as ocean temperatures climb.