Extreme Heat

The world's oceans were the hottest ever recorded, while Antarctica continued to set records for low amounts of sea ice, the World Meteorological Organization said.

He says most of the human population is not susceptible to infection from Vibrio vulnificus, but those with open wounds or certain conditions should avoid warm, brackish water.

Where trees are growing — and who has access to their shade — affects health and well-being, especially in Florida, one of the hottest states in the country.

Experts say they are observing “thousands upon thousands” of miles of reefs undergoing bleaching due to heat stress caused by record high ocean temperatures.

Amid multiple excessive heat warnings, the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district is emphasizing heat protocols for athletes and students who do activities outside as the new year begins.

The warmer temperatures and lack of rain are contributing to drought conditions across parts of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

"To solve the problem of flooding and climate-related disasters, and make community resilient, we need to figure it out how to connect the people with the decision maker," said USF's Barnali Dixon.

Human activity that adds nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, tends to speed up the growth of algae and diminish the availability of dissolved oxygen.

With record-setting temperatures worldwide this summer, cities are confronting the problem of “urban heat islands,” areas that experience higher temperatures because of dense building and lack of green space.

In what many scientists are calling “unprecedented” heat, some areas of the gulf are running 5 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than normal.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists have warned conditions around reefs are far worse than in past bleachings, due to the warming of the oceans. Severe bleaching conditions are expected to hit the entire Caribbean by next month.

The National Hurricane Center provided an update on two systems being watched in the tropical Atlantic Tuesday.