How does measuring the surface temperatures of the atlantic ocean help you forecast the strengths of hurricane

Question

how does measuring the surface temperatures of the atlantic ocean help you forecast the strengths of a hurricane in a particular season?? all helps appreciated. thanks :)

Answer 1

Basically, measuring the surface temperature of the ocean will give you an idea of how strong a particular hurricane may be if it forms. This is not the only way to tell the possible strength of a hurricane because there are other factors that contribute to hurricane formation. In any case, what is needed is temperatures of 80ºF of a depth of about 150 feet under the surface of the water. This warm water evaporates and becomes the "fuel" of the hurricane. As this warm water evaporates and cools as it goes up in the atmosphere, latent heat is released and this is crucial for hurricane formation. Look for areas with temperatures of 80ºF or higher.

More on hurricanes...

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/tropic...

http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/tcfaq...