King tides return to Coronado the mornings of Dec. 4 through Dec. 6. These extreme high tide events, which are caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun, give a glimpse of the future as sea levels rise.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes king tides as naturally occurring, predictable high tides that are one to two feet higher than average. NOAA reports the historical mean high tide for the closest tidal station in San Diego is 4.56 feet. The upcoming king tides are forecasted up to 7.09 feet.

The sea level in San Diego has been rising by 2.2 millimeters (around 1/10 of an inch) per year, but the rate is increasing due to warmer ocean temperatures and melting ice caps caused by climate change. As the average water levels rise, so do the high

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