El Niño conditions emerging in the Pacific are the dominant near-term driver of elevated sea levels along the San Diego coast, with Kelvin waves and thermal expansion from warmer waters expected to add 6–12 inches or more to baseline levels through spring 2027. NOAA tide gauge records at San Diego (9410170) and La Jolla show a long-term relative rise of 2.22 mm per year, while winter king tides—peaking in December 2026 and January 2027—provide the highest astronomical baselines. Storm surge or sustained low pressure during El Niño-fueled events could push extremes higher, with coastal flood advisories already issued for October high tides. Traders monitor NOAA’s ENSO updates, seasonal tide predictions, and any revised high-tide flooding outlooks for shifts in implied probabilities.