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

And this particular Kelvin wave could have more dramatic consequences than usual. In case you’re worried about headlines warning of the supposedly “freak” phenomenon “bringing trouble,” it’s worth understanding what this wave really is and isn’t. That’s raising sea levels along already vulnerable coastlines. An aerial view of equipment moving fresh sand during an emergency replenishment project along eroding shoreline at North Beach on August 15th, 2024, in San Clemente, California. .