California Braces for Rising Sea Levels Amid Strengthening El Niño
California's coastal regions are preparing for significant sea level increases as a new El Niño-related phenomenon, a 'coastally trapped Kelvin wave,' moves up the Pacific coast. This wave, currently near Mexico, is expected to raise sea levels along the California coast by approximately 6 inches (15 cm) in the coming weeks. Combined with the ongoing El Niño, marine heatwaves, and climate change-induced sea level rise, the cumulative effect could add up to a foot (30 cm) of additional sea level rise. Experts warn that this could exacerbate coastal erosion, flooding, and damage to infrastructure, particularly during high tides or storms. The wave is projected to reach Southern California by early October, with its effects potentially lasting for months (Los Angeles Times, 2026-09-10).