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A lock or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.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
Over the next 36 hours, some beaches may experience a MODERATE to HIGH risk of respiratory irritation from Karenia brevis (red tide) in MANATEE, PINELLAS and SARASOTA counties (Issued: 11-20 06PM). Conditions may vary.
Karenia brevis (red tide) is also present along the coast at concentrations that may cause respiratory irritation with onshore winds in CHARLOTTE and LEE counties.
A MODERATE to HIGH risk of respiratory irritation is most likely when winds are blowing onshore or alongshore, and less likely when winds are blowing offshore. Check links below for detailed forecasts at individual beaches.
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.
Beach Conditions Reporting System
Provides today’s conditions at multiple beaches along the west coast of Florida, this includes respiratory irritation, rip currents, wind, and others.
State of Florida Observations
State of Florida (FWC-FWRI) bloom status updates and 8-day interactive map of statewide K. brevis cell concentrations in water samples.
Texas - Current Conditions
There is no risk of respiratory irritation from Karenia brevis (red tide) at this time.
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.