Record-Breaking El Niño Intensifies, Threatening U.S. Coasts with Extreme Weather
The current El Niño weather pattern is strengthening, projected to be the most powerful since record-keeping began 75 years ago. This phenomenon, characterized by above-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean, is expected to bring extremely warm air temperatures and potentially drier weather to the Pacific Northwest this winter. Coastal areas, particularly in Washington, are bracing for significant impacts, including increased sea levels and more frequent coastal flooding. Large underwater pulses known as Kelvin waves are contributing to this sea level rise, with coastal engineer George Kaminsky noting that these waves can cause rapid sea level increases of up to a foot within weeks. Cities like Stanwood, Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Tahola on the Quinault Indian Reservation, and parts of Seattle’s South Park are undertaking emergency repairs to levees and sandbagging efforts in preparation for high water events, especially during the King Tides in December. Deputy State Climatologist Karin Bu...
