Kelvin wave

Scientists and weather watchers are tracking a vast, slow-moving Kelvin wave—a planetary-scale ocean or atmospheric pattern—that is heading toward California. The development is drawing attention because such waves can influence coastal conditions and extreme weather, and concern is mounting over what impact it could bring to the US West Coast.

A slow-moving, planetary-scale kelvin wave of warm ocean water is heading toward the US West Coast, raising concern in California. Such waves along the equatorial Pacific are tied to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and can shift weather patterns, potentially bringing heavier rains, coastal impacts and extreme weather to the region as scientists and residents watch its progress.

Attention is turning to a slow-moving, planetary-scale ocean Kelvin wave that is travelling toward the California coast. Such waves move warm water along the equator and can influence weather patterns, raising concerns about possible effects on California's coastal conditions and climate in the coming months.