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Water Temperature
The surface temperature of the water seems to have a direct connection in triggering the growth of algae. In the Gulf of Mexico, algae blooms are more common in the months of September and October when water temperatures are between 16-30 degree Celsius which is the optimum temperature for Karenia brevis, formerly called Gymnodinium breve, growing temperature according to Coastal Bend Bays and Estuary Programs.
Salinity
The salinity of the water also plays a role in algal blooms. The optimal salinity range for Karenia brevis is between 27 to 37 parts per thousand. The salinity levels in deeper oceanic waters tend to have these levels and explains why red tides are more common in these waters than in shallow estuary waters. Estuary waters are even lower in salinity and do not foster algal growth.
Nutrients
Algae like Karenia brevis thrive in water high in carbon nutrients and sunlight. The Mississippi River delivers large amounts of nutrients in the form of run-off from farms that drain into the river. These run-off are so large they create very low oxygen environments and create "dead zones" in the Gulf of Mexico. These nutrients can help fuel algal blooms and help sustain them for longer periods of time.
Other factors
While all the factors for why red tides occur are still unclear there do seem to be additional conditions that are connected to these blooms. Weather conditions such as lack of wind resulting in calm seas have been connected to algal blooms. Lack of rainfall during the summer months have also been linked to red tides in the Gulf of Mexico.