Scientists Warn of Rapid Kelvin Wave Rise During Strong El Niño

Experts say the Kelvin wave is a large‑scale oceanic phenomenon that moves slowly but can cause significant short‑term sea‑level changes. With the current strong El Niño, the wave’s impact could be amplified, raising the water level by up to 30 cm for several months. The wave’s origin lies in the accumulation of warm water in the western Pacific, which, when trade winds weaken, drifts eastward and eventually reaches the American west coast. Historical parallels to the 1982‑83 super‑El Niño suggest that rainfall could increase by nearly half across California, heightening the danger of flash floods, landslides and storm‑driven coastal damage.