California communities are gearing up for the arrival of the Kelvin wave, a significant underwater warm water band expected to reach the San Francisco Bay Area by early October. This phenomenon could lead to a foot rise in coastal waters, compounding the existing sea level rise attributed to climate change.
The Kelvin wave, driven by El Niño conditions, poses risks of coastal flooding, especially during high tides and storms. With predictions of a wetter-than-average winter, California may face severe weather impacts, including increased inland flooding and coastal erosion, reminiscent of the destructive winter of 1997-1998.