California coastal water levels broke records
2 min readNOAA reported on Wednesday 04 November 2026 that above-normal high tides, warm waters and El Niño pushed water levels along the California coast to new heights. High water inundated low-lying areas, while tide gauges recorded the highest readings ever at some locations in observations dating back more than 100 years.
From October 24 to 30, 2026, locations along the California coast experienced heightened water levels above Mean Higher High Water, the average of the highest tides for each location. NOAA said 4 locations reached their all-time highest observed water levels.
NOAA’s tide gauge in San Diego captured its highest water level on record at 2.80 feet above Mean Higher High Water on October 27, 2026. The agency said the record levels resulted from a combination of higher-than-normal astronomical tides, El Niño-driven Kelvin waves and an ongoing marine heatwave.
Other locations entered their top-ten highest observed water levels. Santa Monica recorded 2.72 feet above Mean Higher High Water and ranked 2nd on record. Port San Luis recorded 2.35 feet above Mean Higher High Water and ranked 4th. Monterey recorded 2.20 feet above Mean Higher High Water and ranked 7th.
According to NOAA, a perigean spring tide occurred when the moon was full and closest to Earth. El Niño-driven Kelvin waves brought pulses of warm water toward the Pacific Coast of the Americas, temporarily raising sea level by 6-12 inches or more over several weeks. Warmer water also expanded, causing water levels to rise higher and reach further inland.
The combined effects flooded roads, inundated homes and businesses and disrupted daily life. NOAA predicted above-normal high tides from November 22-27, 2026, and December 22-26, 2026, increasing the risk of coastal flooding. It said more Kelvin waves were likely throughout the fall and winter as El Niño conditions continued.
NOAA’s National Weather Service Winter Outlook predicted wetter-than-average conditions for the southwestern U.S. NOAA said this could further worsen coastal flooding along inland coasts, where increased storm runoff could add to already elevated water levels.
