Scientists are warning that the North Pacific ‘Blob’ is back, and this ocean heat wave could have consequences around the globe.

Since operations targeting suspected drug traffickers began over the summer, over 30 people have been reportedly killed.

Water temperatures several degrees above normal span thousands of miles, though they have mostly stopped short of the Pacific Northwest coast. Cool water welling up from the depths is thought to be keeping surface temperatures near the Oregon and Washington coasts closer to normal.