Long Island Surface Water

How is this temperature data collected?
Near surface water temperature has been measured regularly for the last 30 years in Niantic Bay by the Millstone Environmental Lab. Each year, temperatures are reported as seasonal averages. This data set represents the longest continuous record of water temperatures in Long Island Sound.

Status
Average seasonal water temperatures have been slowly but steadily increasing at this location in Long Island Sound. Winter temperatures appear to be increasing more rapidly than spring, summer or fall temperatures. Increases in surface water temperatures have also been linked to observed changes in the fish community. Cold-adapted fish have been observed less frequently in recent years, while warm-adapted fish have been observed more frequently. The combination of increasing water temperatures and changing fish community is believed to be an indicator of climate change.

The overall mean from 1976 through 2011 is
 * 3.9°C for winter,
 * 11.1°C for spring,
 * 19.9°C for summer, and
 * 12.1°C for fall.

data notes

 * Winter defined as January-March,
 * spring as April-June,
 * summer as July-September, and
 * fall as October-December.