Sea Surface Temperature along the Peruvian Coast
Along the southern Peruvian coastline, nearshore waters show a combination of neutral and colder-than-normal conditions, with temperature anomalies reaching up to –2 °C. In the central region, sea surface temperatures remain close to neutral conditions, while in northern Peru warmer waters are present, showing positive anomalies between +0.5 °C and +2 °C (previously reaching up to +3 °C).
This warming is believed to be associated with the arrival of a Kelvin Wave, which reached the Peruvian coast approximately two weeks ago and is currently approaching its peak influence.
However, scientists indicate that the ocean’s thermal behavior is currently unusual, and the evolution of these conditions remains uncertain. In this context, the current oceanic conditions could be linked to the development of a Coastal El Niño, with a clearer outlook expected toward the end of March.