The extreme heat experienced in the Caribbean during 2023 was the result of a "perfect storm" of climatic factors, primarily driven by the transition into a strong El Niño event and record-breaking Atlantic sea surface temperatures. During an El Niño year, global temperatures tend to rise, and the Caribbean often experiences suppressed rainfall and higher-than-average heat. Simultaneously, the North Atlantic underwent a significant "marine heatwave," with water temperatures reaching levels typically seen in late summer as early as June. These warm waters acted as a giant radiator, preventing the air from cooling down at night and making the daytime heat feel much more oppressive. Additionally, a reduction in the amount of Saharan dust blowing across the Atlantic meant there was less "shading" of the ocean, allowing more solar radiation to penetrate and heat the water further. Climate change served as the underlying "force multiplier," raising the baseline temperature and making these extreme heat events more frequent and intense. This combination of natural cycles and long-term global warming created a record-setting year that stressed local coral reefs through massive bleaching events and impacted the health and daily lives of millions of Caribbean residents.