The VIIRS instrument on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s JPSS satellites measure sea surface temperatures. In the maps below, blue represents cold temperatures; red represents hot. This data is ingested into weather forecast models. Hurricane formation is dependent on the temperature of the ocean. Surface temperatures of 82 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer allow a hurricane to form and thrive. Higher sea surface temperatures also indicate a higher rate of evaporation. Check o