In May 1985, synoptic current measurements were made by the Ocean Surface Current Radar (OSCR) high-frequency (HF) system as part of a survey of currents off the coast of North Wales. For most days during this campaign, extensive cloud cover prevented the acquisition of useful infrared imagery over the experimental region by NOAA satellites. However, on 30 and 31 May 1985 cloud-free images were obtained by NOAA-9 and, from these data, contour maps of sea surface temperature were derived. The early afternoon image acquired on 30 May shows that a zone of enhanced temperature gradient passes within the region mapped by the HF radar. As a result of this rare coincidence, a unique view of surface flows in an evolving situation is obtained.