Live · Sea temperature · Germany & worldwide
The sea temperature map (SST) shows ocean surface temperature worldwide. It influences hurricanes, coastal climate, fish stocks and weather at the coast.
Tropical cyclones need warm sea water (typically above 26.5 °C) as an energy source. The SST map shows where such conditions prevail – e.g. in the Atlantic, Pacific or Indian Ocean.
Coastal regions benefit from warm or cold ocean currents: the Gulf Stream mildens climate in Western Europe, cold currents bring cooler coastal air.
Warm colors mean higher SST, cool tones cold surface water. Compare coast and open sea.
From about 26.5 °C tropical water can energetically fuel storms – then also consider wave and warning maps.
For a beach day combine SST with air temperature and wind – water can be cooler than the air.
In summer shallow coastal waters warm faster than the open ocean. The Baltic can be pleasantly warm locally while the North Sea stays cooler. In the Mediterranean you often see clearly higher SST values – relevant for holidays and swim planning.
SST is the surface layer: after prolonged cooling or wind mixing water below can be colder. For a beach day cross-check SST with the swimming weather guide and air temperature.
Warm and cold currents shape regional climates and food chains. On the SST map you see large-scale patterns – not current speed in knots, but the thermal signature.
For sea state and swell the wave radar remains the right map; SST rather explains why an area is energetically “loaded” or why coastal air feels milder.
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