# The planetary wave headed for California isn’t what you think it is

https://mins.news/en/item/87894

- The Verge, 2026-10-06 12:00 UTC
- Science
- Original: https://www.theverge.com/science/1005077/el-nino-planetary-wave-kelvin

> A strong Kelvin wave is moving from South America toward California, carrying warm water normally trapped in the western Pacific and temporarily raising sea levels along vulnerable coasts. The common phenomenon can worsen storm and flood risks, and its effects may be greater amid an exceptionally strong El Niño.

## Stories

- [Global impacts of El Niño](https://mins.news/en/topic/el-nino-global-impacts) — Markdown: https://mins.news/en/topic/el-nino-global-impacts.md

## Related coverage

- [Kelvin wave along B.C. may signal ‘strongest El Niño we’ve ever seen’](https://mins.news/en/video/88971) — CBC News, 2026-10-07
- [Giant underwater Kelvin wave could 'pack a punch' for B.C. in mid-October](https://mins.news/en/item/87578) — CBC News, 2026-10-06
- [Warm-water pulses hitting Pacific coast could bring erosion and flooding](https://mins.news/en/item/84806) — The Associated Press, 2026-10-03