HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM FORECASTS

Gulf of Mexico Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast

In the Gulf of Mexico, some harmful algal blooms are caused by the microscopic algae species Karenia brevis, commonly called red tide. Karenia brevis blooms can cause respiratory illness and eye irritation in humans. It can also kill marine life, and lead to shellfish closures. Blooms are often patchy, so impacts vary by beach and throughout the day. NCCOS monitors conditions daily and issues regular forecasts for red tide blooms in the Gulf of Mexico and East Coast of Florida. You can find the forecasts below, and up-to-date conditions here.

Florida - Current Conditions

There is no risk of respiratory irritation from red tide (caused by Karenia brevis) at this time.

Respiratory Forecast

Modeled forecast of respiratory irritation at individual beach locations, based on field samples of Karenia brevis concentration, wind speed, and direction.

Intensification Forecast

Model results estimating the likelihood of bloom initiation or intensification along the coast of Southwest Florida, due to an accumulation of cells at the coast.

Satellite Imagery

Current imagery from the Ocean Land Color Imager (OLCI) showing bloom location and extent.

Respiratory Forecast

Modeled forecast of respiratory irritation at individual beach locations, based on field samples of Karenia brevis concentration, wind speed, and direction.

Intensification Forecast

Model results estimating the likelihood of bloom initiation or intensification along the coast of Southwest Florida, due to an accumulation of cells at the coast.

Texas - Current Conditions

Unable to determine respiratory risk from Karenia brevis (red tide) because no recent sampling data available.

Respiratory Forecast

Potential respiratory irritation over the next two days

Satellite Imagery

Current imagery from the Ocean Land Color Imager (OLCI) showing bloom location and extent.

*Citizen science volunteers use HABscope to assist NCCOS in monitoring conditions. The collection of HABscope information from those volunteers is authorized under the OMB Control Number included in the Citizen Science & Crowdsourcing Information Collection page.

HAB Alerts

HABs in the Gulf of Mexico pose a risk to human and animal health, foul coastlines, and negatively impact communities and businesses. Subscribe to receive Gulf of Mexico HAB updates via email.

More information related to HAB Forecasts

Real Time Data for Gulf of Mexico Respiratory Irritation Forecast
Archived Gulf of Mexico Forecasts
More information about our bloom monitoring imagery
Health information – Summary of the ways red tide can impact the health of humans and animals
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about red tide and the forecasts NOAA issues.
Harmful Algal Blooms Observing System (HABSOS) – Interactive map of past and present Gulf of Mexico HAB data
Contributors and Data Providers
HAB Forecast Research
Gulf of Mexico HAB Forecast Guide – User guide to help navigate the forecast products
Gulf of Mexico HAB Forecast Videos – Videos to help navigate the forecast products
Gulf of Mexico HAB Forecast Enhancements – Infographic comparing Legacy (pre-August 2021) and Next Generation (enhanced) products.