Thanks to Helene & Milton - Algae blooms off the Florida west coast

Algae are blooming off of Florida's west-central coast likely thanks to the latest hurricanes Milton and Helene.

We'll say it; hurricanes are pot-stirrers. As they move across the warm waters, the churning of these massive storms stirs the ocean below them and allows for cool water to rise from below. This mechanism is called upwelling and provides plenty of nutrients for seaweed and algae like phytoplankton to grow, according to NOAA.

Thanks to high-resolution satellite imagery, we are seeing an algae bloom off of Florida's west-central coastline now that Milton and Helene have come and gone, leaving behind a trail of cooler waters. The sea surface temperatures can be seen dropping since Helene (September 26, 2024) moved across the eastern Gulf of Mexico first in the video below. Milton followed on October 9, 2024.

This type of algae bloom is harmful to both humans and animals. For humans, breathing in the air coming across the bloom can cause respiratory issues, especially to already sensitive groups like young children, the elderly, or those with asthma. When waves hit these blooms, they kick up the algae particles, sending them into the air and could be breathed in.

We are in luck, however, when it comes to the winds around the algae bloom. A recent cold front that brought fall feels to Florida has northeasterly winds coming across the state, pushing the air back out to the Gulf. Those near the blooms will still want to take precautions.