California Experiences King Tides, Offering Insight into Future Sea Level Rise

The highest tides of the year, driven by lunar and solar alignments, underscore the urgency of addressing climate change impacts.

King tides, also known as perigean spring tides, are the highest tides of the year, occurring when the Earth, moon, and sun align, causing the oceans to bulge more due to their combined gravitational pull.
These tides are most dramatic along the California coast during winter, often leading to coastal flooding, and serve as a glimpse into future sea level rises due to climate change.
The California King Tides Project encourages public participation in documenting these high tides to help visualize the impact of rising sea levels on coastal areas.
In 2024, king tides are expected to coincide with new moons on February 9, March 10, and April 8, with the closest new moon to Earth on March 10 and a partial solar eclipse visible in Southern California on April 8.
King tides combined with winter storms can cause significant coastal flooding, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preparedness for future sea level rises.