Inshore water temps:

[AndyS]

For much of our region, the near shore ocean temperatures are well above normal for this time of year (and that is even with a cooling trend the last few days). The mean temperature for the month of October is between 57 and 58 degrees Fahrenheit, but as of this evening, water temperatures for much of our region are in the low to mid 60s!
This is at least in part due to air temperature trends. Aside from a few cooler periods (including the last few days), air temperatures have been mostly above normal since mid August.
You can explore current water temperatures in our area here: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/.../coastal.../catl_tmap.html And for graphs on air temperature trends for our local climate sites, visit https://www.weather.gov/phi/climate_graphs_PHI

[Gumada]

If I remember correctly the water inshore was colder longer in the beginning of the season this year. Took quite a while to warmup

[Duffman]

Exactly how are the water temps monitored on the govt sites?

I realize they are taken off a buoy sensor but exactly where is the sensor taking the reading? Surface, 10 feet down, 20 feet down, on the bottom?

Reason I ask is, what I see out on the water, is never what I see posted.

I have 2 separate temp sensors that read identical, so I know what I’m seeing is accurate but it’s still always several degrees off what online says.