Kelvin Wave - GoKawiil

California braces as 'Kelvin wave' threatens foot-high sea level surge

California coastal communities are preparing for a Kelvin wave, a subsurface band of warm water driven by El Nino conditions, expected to reach the San Francisco Bay Area by early October. Scientists say it could raise sea levels along the coast by up to a foot, potentially doubling the 8-12 inch rise already caused by climate change over the past century. Researchers note the wave itself isn't inherently hazardous but could amplify flooding if it coincides with storms or high tides.

news.slashdot.org · 2026-10-02

Kelvin wave tied to strong El Niño could lift California sea levels a foot

Oceanographers tell the Guardian that a massive Kelvin wave of unusually warm Pacific water, already raising sea levels off Ecuador, Colombia and Panama by more than a foot, is moving toward California. Scientists say it could push coastal sea levels there up by as much as a foot and keep them elevated for months as part of a strong El Niño pattern.

futurism.com · 2026-09-29