Colder water from deeper in the ocean comes to the surface

Beachgoers and fishermen alike are noticing the unseasonably cold water temperatures that weather professionals attribute to a phenomena known as upwelling.

"Current water temperatures are very close to their July normal values of 73 F. However, a week ago water temperatures were 10 degrees colder," said Meteorologist Gary Szatkowski of the National Weather Service.

"South to southwest surface winds during the summer actually push the warm water temperatures at the surface offshore. Colder water from deeper in the ocean comes to the surface, resulting in cold water temperatures in the surf zone," he said.

And people are definitely feeling the chill.

"We have had a lot of people come up and ask if this is how the temperature normally is, and of course, we tell them no," said Lt. Mark Reynolds of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol. "The water got warmer for a few days -- went up to 71 or 72 F -- but now it's back down."

But beach-goers seem to be making do.

"My husband and I usually go in the water up to our waists at least," said Mona Taylor of Philadelphia. "But it's been so cold this week that we're sitting at the edge with beach chairs. I won't get more than my feet wet."

Jennie Simpson of Lancaster, Pa., was on vacation with her family in Rehoboth Beach last week. She said her kids aren't braving the water either.

"Usually I can't get them out of the water. But today they built a sand castle and moat," she said, laughing. "They're letting the sand warm that water before they touch it."

Robbie Lynch, an employee at Quiet Storm Surf Shop in Rehoboth Beach, said the colder temperatures have deterred him from surfing lately.

"The colder temperatures have kept me from going in the water, especially because I don't own a wetsuit and didn't want to buy one," he said. "I actually didn't go out in water until last week, when the temperature became more bearable."

However, Lynch said temperatures can fluctuate day to day with changing currents.

Matt Ramsay, an employee at East of Maui in Dewey Beach, said in his opinion, surfers will head into the water regardless of the temperature.

"Some tourists have (come into East of Maui and) commented on the water being colder, but not many. I think in the past things have been a little cooler than normal, but not much," he said.

So, how has the upwelling impacted fisherman.

"It affected fishing up until about 30 days ago -- slowed up the fish -- they didn't show up as early as they usually do," said Butch Evans of Old Inlet Bait & Tackle. "Things are relatively back to normal. I think offshore fisherman were noticing the biggest effect."

However, Joan Muldowney of Old Hookers' Bait & Tackle Shop in Lewes said her customers are still noticing a difference.

"A lot of the fish that migrate from the south aren't here because of the cold water," she said. "(Tourists) ask how the fishing has been, and I tell them it's been pretty spotty."

According to Muldowney, the temperatures are really affecting business.

"People are coming down here with empty pockets from gas prices and going home with empty coolers," she said.

source: delmarvanow.com