The temperature of the water on the tip of Florida hit hot tub levels, exceeding 37.8 degrees Celsius two days in a row, which meteorologists say could potentially be the hottest seawater ever measured.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather records for sea water temperature are unofficial, and there are certain conditions in this reading that might disqualify it for a top mark, but the initial reading on a buoy at Manatee Bay hit 38.3 degrees Monday evening.

And just 40 kilometres away, scientists report seeing devastating effects from prolonged hot water surrounding Florida, including coral bleaching and some death.