King tides, driven by the gravitational pull of the super Cold Moon, are arriving on Thursday and will continue through Friday along the Southern California coast.
These tides, reaching up to two feet higher than normal, pose potential hazards for beachgoers and coastal areas. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for dangerous swimming conditions, powerful rip currents, and waves up to 7.8 feet, particularly affecting areas like Santa Barbara County, Malibu, and Los Angeles County beaches, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
King tides occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align, creating a stronger gravitational pull on ocean tides. This natural phenomenon, although not caused by climate change, provides a glimpse into future sea level rise. According to VC Star, scientists predict that by 2050, the California coast’s median sea level could rise by up to 1.2 feet, and by 2100, by as much as 6.6 feet…