"Surface temps" refers to the temperature on the outer layer or topmost part of something, such as the temperature on the surface of the Earth or the surface of an object like a road or a body of water. Full definition
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 we are battling the question of increased surface temps causing hurricanes. (wattsupwiththat.com)
What does he really think about surface temp records vs satellite? (judithcurry.com)