San Diego Braces for Potentially Historic 'Super' El Niño
San Diego Braces for Potentially Historic 'Super' El Niño
US · Published Aug 26, 2026
Scientists at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography are closely monitoring the development of a potentially historic 'super' El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean.
This climate phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures, has already reached 3.6°F (2°C) above average, according to NOAA.

Impact & Risks

The 'super' El Niño could lead to significant rainfall, coastal flooding, and erosion in Southern California, particularly in flood-prone areas like Chollas Valley, Mission Valley, and the Tijuana River Valley. Sea levels along the California coast may temporarily rise by up to 13 inches during strong El Niño events, exacerbating flooding risks. Additionally, marine heatwaves and suppressed nutrient upwelling could impact marine ecosystems, potentially reducing food availability for wildlife. While the event is expected to bring stronger winter storms, its precise impact on San Diego’s weather remains uncertain, leaving residents and officials to prepare for a range of possible outcomes.

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