So now we have surface temps of 160 F [71 C] and air temperature
normal cooler by +20 C. Without an increase in
atmospheric pressure, and
with higher surface temperature one would see a larger difference in surface temperature between the surface and air temperature.
According to Gerry Bell, Ph.D., NOAA's lead seasonal hurricane forecaster, the major climate factors expected to influence this year's activity are the ongoing multi-decadal signal, which produces wind and
atmospheric pressure patterns favorable for hurricane formation, along
with ongoing warmer - than -
normal sea surface temperatures.