Bay Area Sea Levels to Rise Nearly 1 Foot Due to Kelvin Wave
Bay Area Sea Levels to Rise Nearly 1 Foot Due to Kelvin Wave
US · Published Sep 7, 2026
A Kelvin wave, a planetary-scale oceanic phenomenon linked to El Niño, is expected to raise sea levels in the Bay Area by nearly one foot in October.
This wave, which is thousands of miles wide, is currently moving north along Central America's coast at approximately 6 mph.

Impact & Risks

The anticipated sea level rise of nearly one foot in the Bay Area is not expected to break records due to the typically low tides in September and October. However, the risk of coastal erosion and flooding could increase significantly later in the year. California's highest king tides, occurring from November to January, may coincide with additional Kelvin waves or storms, potentially leading to near-record water levels and heightened coastal damage. Historical data from the 2015-2016 El Niño event highlights the potential for extreme wave heights, with some areas recording waves over 60 feet. Coastal communities should remain vigilant, particularly during the upcoming king tide season, as the combination of these factors could exacerbate erosion and flooding risks.

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