But, sea surface temps in the tropics are tied to incoming solar radiation and not the air above (in fact, the opposite is true). (climate-skeptic.com)
So why is land surface temps never discussed and yet sea surface temp is? (jennifermarohasy.com)
In reality, there is constant flux with sea surface temps being at different times and places, cooler and warmer than air temps. (skepticalscience.com)