A very strong 2026 El Niño, with Niño-3.4 anomalies already exceeding +3°C and forecasts indicating peak intensity through winter, is driving elevated baseline sea levels along the San Diego coast via coastal-trapped Kelvin waves and thermal expansion. NOAA tide gauges at La Jolla and San Diego have recorded anomalies of 6–8 inches above recent years, with additional stacking expected from seasonal king tides in late November, December, and January. Long-term sea level rise from climate trends amplifies these temporary effects. Traders should monitor NOAA's weekly water level data, updated ENSO outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center, and any winter storm activity that could produce surge, as the highest observed levels at the San Diego gauge will determine the outcome.