A “strong” to “severe” marine heatwave is expanding in the Pacific, raising ocean temperatures across much of the California Coast, according to Los Angeles County Lifeguards — a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The marine heatwave, which started in May of 2025, peaked in September as the largest ever recorded in the Northeastern Pacific. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration continues to track the expanding marine heatwave.
In the affected area of ocean, sea-surface temperatures are roughly 5 degrees above normal for this time of year. This places the heatwave at Category 2 (strong) or Category 3 (severe), per NOAA’s classification.
According to NOAA’s latest marine heatwave report, the marine heatwave is expected to continue growing over the next year…