California Ocean Temperatures Hit Record Highs as Super El Niño Arrives
A powerful El Niño event has caused unprecedented ocean temperature spikes along the California coast, with waters off San Diego reaching 75°F, nearly 11°F above normal. NOAA confirms the event as 'very strong,' with anomalies exceeding 5°C in the equatorial Pacific. The warming has already caused thermal expansion, leading to flooding in low-lying areas like Long Beach and Newport Beach. Coastal communities are preparing for king tides in late November, December, and January, with forecasts predicting high tides up to 7 feet. While the warm water benefits surfers and swimmers by eliminating the need for wetsuits, it has also introduced tropical marine species, including whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, to California waters. Scientists express high confidence that the El Niño will bring above-average precipitation to the state this winter.
Key points
- Ocean temperatures off Santa Maria reached 71.5°F, 13°F above the November average, while San Diego waters hit 75°F, nearly 11°F above normal.
- NOAA classifies the current El Niño as 'very strong,' with sea surface temperature anomalies exceeding 5°C in the equatorial Pacific and along the California coast.
- Thermal expansion from the warm water has elevated sea levels, causing flooding in Long Beach and Newport Beach during high tides.
- Coastal communities are preparing for king tides on Nov. 24-26, Dec. 23-25, and Jan. 21-22, with forecasts predicting high tides up to 7 feet on Nov. 25.
- Tropical marine species, including whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and winged comb jellies, have been observed in California coastal waters.
- Scientists express high confidence that the El Niño will bring above-average precipitation to California this winter.
Background
California has been bracing for a historic El Niño since October 2026, with record-breaking ocean temperatures and coastal damage from Tropical Storm Rachel. NOAA confirmed the 'very strong' El Niño on Nov. 13, 2026, with sea surface temperature anomalies reaching 4°C above average, surpassing the 2015 benchmark. The event is expected to persist through March 2027, driving a stormier winter in the southern U.S. and severe marine heat waves along the California coast. Earlier in October, a 'Super El Niño' was forecast to drive warmer temperatures and extreme precipitation across the U.S. and Canada, while record coral bleaching was observed globally, with hard coral cover dropping 8.9% in 2024.
Why it matters
The unprecedented ocean temperature spikes and associated sea level rise pose significant risks to coastal infrastructure and communities in California. The potential for above-average precipitation this winter could exacerbate flooding and storm damage, particularly during king tide periods. The introduction of tropical marine species may disrupt local ecosystems, while the warm water could impact marine life and fisheries. Understanding the scope and scale of this El Niño event is crucial for preparing for potential extreme weather and environmental impacts.
What to watch
Coastal communities will monitor king tide events in late November, December, and January, with local officials reinforcing sea walls and packing sandbags to mitigate flooding risks. Scientists will continue to track ocean temperature anomalies and their impact on marine ecosystems. The focus will shift to the potential for above-average precipitation in California this winter, with forecasts indicating a stormier season in the southern U.S. Researchers will also assess the long-term effects of the El Niño on coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on KTLA