Kelvin wave heads toward California
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一句话看懂
An underwater Kelvin wave is moving toward California, raising sea levels 6 to 12 inches.
It can amplify flood risk from high tides and storm surge.
背景
Kelvin waves are not surface waves; they are propagating disturbances that carry energy, heat and pressure through the ocean along the equator, and their movement helps transmit heat from west to east. As one reaches Central and South America, its energy can turn northward and travel along the coastline as a coastally trapped wave, carrying El Niño's influence toward California and the Pacific Northwest. This comes as El Niño is strengthening, with forecasters putting the chance of a historically strong event at 75% for October through December. California's coastline is already seeing erosion from powerful summer swells, and officials say the extra sea level would stack on top of high tides and storm surge.
来龙去脉
- Sep 21, 2026California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, saying the state is preparing for potential winter storms and their impacts, including flooding and coastal hazards; the order directs state agencies to stage equipment, protect infrastructure and prepare communities.
- Sep 23, 2026A Kelvin wave was reported moving along the coast of Mexico and expected to reach California by next month, raising sea levels by 6 to 12 inches; it was expected near San Diego in early to mid-October.
- Sep 25, 2026National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center charts showed sea surface conditions off the charts at the equator.
- Sep 28, 2026Scientists tracking the wave said a large pulse of warm water is traveling toward the West Coast and could raise coastal water levels by several inches, approaching a foot in some locations, with Southern California expected by early October.
各方怎么说
- Expert
- NOAA research oceanographer Dr. Michael Jacox said it is not like a tsunami that washes over a balcony, but it can raise sea level 6 to 12 inches and acts as one ingredient that amplifies risk from high tides and storm surge.
- Analysts
- NOAA said Kelvin waves generated in spring and summer reached California in May and June with modest early effects, but scientists are watching for more pronounced changes this fall and winter as El Niño strengthens.
- Official
- Gov. Gavin Newsom's emergency declaration directs state agencies to stage equipment, protect infrastructure and prepare communities for severe weather, flooding and coastal hazards.