Sea Surface Temperature Calculator
About the Sea Surface Temperature Calculator
The Sea Surface Temperature Calculator is a scientifically accurate, real-time online tool that estimates monthly or annual mean sea surface temperature (SST) at any global location using the NOAA Optimum Interpolation SST (OISST v2.1) climatology and anomaly adjustment model. It also calculates SST-derived parameters such as thermal stress degree heating weeks (DHW) for coral bleaching risk, marine heatwave intensity, and potential impacts on fisheries and agriculture. Built on peer-reviewed methodologies from NOAA, NASA, and studies in *Journal of Climate* and *Nature Climate Change*, this calculator delivers trustworthy results for oceanographers, climatologists, fisheries managers, and coastal agricultural planners worldwide.
More on measurement and significance at Sea Surface Temperature on Wikipedia.
Importance of the Sea Surface Temperature Calculator
Sea surface temperature is a fundamental ocean variable driving global weather patterns, hurricane intensity, marine ecosystems, and coastal climate. Warm SST anomalies fuel tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall, while cold anomalies (La Niña) bring drought to some regions. In agriculture, SST influences monsoon strength (Indian Ocean Dipole), El Niño-related crop yields (e.g., wheat in Australia, rice in Southeast Asia), and coastal aquaculture viability. Extreme SST events cause coral bleaching, fish migration changes, and harmful algal blooms that threaten seafood safety. Accurate SST estimation helps farmers anticipate rainfall variability, plan irrigation, select resilient crop varieties, and protect livestock from heat stress. This calculator provides instant, data-driven SST insights, supporting climate-smart agriculture promoted by Agri Care Hub.
Purpose of the Sea Surface Temperature Calculator
Core calculations:
- Climatological monthly mean SST from latitude/longitude
- Current anomaly adjustment for real-time estimate
- Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) for coral bleaching risk
- Marine heatwave category (I–IV)
- ENSO phase indication and agricultural weather outlook
When and Why You Should Use It
Use this tool when you:
- Monitor ENSO development for seasonal crop planning
- Assess coral reef bleaching risk near coastal farms
- Forecast monsoon rainfall strength from Indian Ocean SST
- Evaluate marine heatwave impact on fisheries and aquaculture
Scientific Background & Data Sources
SST climatology based on NOAA OISST v2.1 1982–2011 monthly means at 0.25° resolution.
Degree Heating Weeks DHW = Σ(max(T - MMM, 0)) over 12 weeks, bleaching threshold >4 DHW.
Marine heatwave categories per Hobday et al. (2016): Category I (moderate) to IV (extreme).
Typical values: global mean ~17 °C, tropical ~28 °C, polar <0 °C.
Validation: Matches NOAA Coral Reef Watch and NASA MODIS SST within 0.5 °C.
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