The Batten School & VIMS campus will be closed on Monday, March 15 due to the National Weather Service prediction for severe weather including periods of rain, damaging winds and the potential for tornadoes.

 

Skip to main content

Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Forecast

text_table

Quick Introduction

Because low-oxygen waters impact fish and other marine animals, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and partners are developing computer models to accurately predict when and where low-oxygen or "hypoxic" conditions may form. Their goal is to help anglers and others better plan on-the-water activities.

Part of the broader Chesapeake Bay Environmental Forecast System, this product simulates dissolved-oxygen levels in the bottom waters of the Bay's main stem. It simulates 3 conditions:

  1. Nowcast: present-day levels of dissolved oxygen in Chesapeake Bay
  2. 2-Day Forecast: levels of dissolved oxygen in the Bay 2 days from now, and
  3. Forecast Trend: difference between nowcast and forecast (% change over 2 days)

Hypoxia in Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia forecast for Chesapeake Bay

Hypoxia in Chesapeake Bay

Difference From Long-Term Average

Current conditions are compared to the long-term average conditions to put current conditions in perspective relative to average conditions. Long-term average conditions were calculated using a computer model simulation spanning 1985 through 2023. The below map shows the difference between current conditions and the long-term average conditions on the day noted.For more information on the long-term averages please see the Chesapeake Atlas.

do_bot_clim