SST (Sea Surface Temperature) is measured by buoys, ships, and infrared satellites. It is one of meteorology's most important parameters: it governs evaporation, fuels tropical cyclones (requiring SST ≥ 26 °C), modulates El Niño/La Niña, and determines sea breeze intensity.
In the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean reaches SSTs of 27–30 °C in August–September, storing enormous energy that fuels autumn torrential rains when DANAs pass overhead. Mediterranean warming (+1.5 °C since 1980) is intensifying these events.