Researchers are expecting a moderately large hypoxic zone this summer in the Northern Gulf of Mexico.  A NOAA-sponsored ensemble of models has forecasted a ‘Dead Zone’ of 15,100 sq km. The best estimate from the NCSU/Obenour Lab model is 15,700 sq km, roughly the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island, combined. This estimate reflects average flow and nutrient loading from the Mississippi River this spring, coupled with moderately strong westward winds to deliver nutrients and freshwater over the Louisiana-Texas shelf.

These predictions include substantial uncertainty due to summer hydro-meteorological variability.  However, there is <1% chance that a record hypoxic zone (>22,700 km²) will be measured by the LUMCON shelfwide cruise this summer. It is also important to note that extreme weather can temporarily reduce the hypoxic zone, as in the case of Hurricane Hanna in 2020.