Fri Jan 02 07:30:00 UTC 2026: Summary:
This weekend, San Diego will experience King Tides, unusually high tides caused by the combined gravitational pull of the sun and moon. These tides, which will be about 1.5 feet higher than normal, offer a glimpse into future sea levels projected for 2050. The Friends of Rose Creek and the San Diego Bird Alliance will be observing the tides at Mission Bay to assess the potential impact on the environment, particularly on salt marshes and bird habitats. Experts warn that rising sea levels could lead to flooding of areas like Mission Bay High School and the disappearance of coastal salt marshes if infrastructure prevents their natural inland migration. They emphasize the need for coastal cities to consider the future of the natural environment in redevelopment plans. The public is invited to participate in documenting the King Tides.
News Article:
King Tides to Offer Glimpse into San Diego’s Future, Experts Warn of Rising Sea Level Impacts
San Diego, CA – Residents of San Diego will witness unusually high “King Tides” this weekend, offering a stark preview of future sea levels. The extreme tides, predicted to be approximately 1.5 feet above normal, are caused by the combined gravitational forces of the sun and moon, pulling the ocean to its maximum height.
The Friends of Rose Creek and the San Diego Bird Alliance are organizing a citizen science event Saturday morning at the mouth of Rose Creek in Mission Bay to observe and document the King Tides’ impact. Experts say these King Tides approximate the average high tide expected by 2050, highlighting potential consequences for coastal communities.
“Places like Mission Bay High School are going to be at high-flood risk, especially if the high tide coincides with a lot of rain,” warned Karin Zirk, executive director of Friends of Rose Creek.
The observation effort will also focus on the future of coastal salt marshes, critical habitats for local bird populations. Savannah Stallings, conservation advocate for the San Diego Bird Alliance, explained that rising sea levels will force these marshes to migrate inland. “But if you have a parking lot where the marsh needs to go, it will disappear,” she cautioned.
The event organizers are urging city planners to consider the long-term impact of sea-level rise on natural habitats as redevelopment plans move forward. Members of the public are encouraged to join the observation event and help document the King Tides, with collected data being shared with the California King Tides Project. This effort aims to raise awareness and inform future coastal planning decisions in the face of rising sea levels.
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