Bay Area Braces for a 'Super' El Niño: Warmer Winters, Bigger Tides, and Coastal Risks

Scientists warn the 2026–27 El Niño could be the strongest on record and last into early spring 2027, with uncertain effects for the Bay Area. The period may bring warmer falls and winters and a wetter winter in parts of California, but the Bay Area sits in a less predictable zone. Higher sea levels and bigger king tides could boost coastal flooding, while a concurrent marine heatwave threatens wildlife and fisheries. Coastal infrastructure and shoreline resilience projects are underway, and residents are urged to monitor tides and wildlife reports as conditions unfold.