Using satellite altimetry to infer near real time ocean temperature profiles, the depth of the ocean's mixed layer and thermocline are estimated for use in Emanuel's 2-D hurricane model. The efficacy of the near-real time measurements in comparison with monthly climatology is evaluated in terms of forecasts of hurricane intensification in the Gulf of Mexico. The possibility that hurricanes display behavioral characteristics associated with mesoscale ocean features is investigated in terms of storm track speed and footprint radius.