Series of king tides expected to bring flooding to Boston waterfront
Updated: 1:41 PM EDT Sep 11, 2025
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King tides, higher-than-normal high tides, are expected to bring coastal flooding to Boston on Thursday afternoon and several times this fall. According to the New England Aquarium, Thursday’s tide is expected to peak at 2:30 p.m. These extremely high tides measure 2-4 feet above average and can cause flooding even in the absence of strong winds or storms. If storms occur simultaneously, the impact can be even greater. “Since we are located so prominently on the Boston waterfront, flooding is always leading of mind for us during these higher-than-usual king tides,” said Luz Arregoces, the aquarium’s director of community engagement. “Amid the growing threat of sea level rise, we have to be attentive to and mindful of flood impacts and potential damage while working with the city, state, and community leaders on resiliency efforts.”NOAA predicted that Boston will see 12 to 19 high tide flooding events this year. “Because of rising seas, land subsidence, and the loss of natural barriers, high tide flooding is today twice as frequent in U.S. coastal communities as it was 20 years ago,” a NOAA website states. According to the New England Aquarium, upcoming king tides are expected on October 8-11, and Nov. 5-8.
King tides, higher-than-normal high tides, are expected to bring coastal flooding to Boston on Thursday afternoon and several times this fall.
According to the New England Aquarium, Thursday’s tide is expected to peak at 2:30 p.m.
These extremely high tides measure 2-4 feet above average and can cause flooding even in the absence of strong winds or storms. If storms occur simultaneously, the impact can be even greater.
“Since we are located so prominently on the Boston waterfront, flooding is always leading of mind for us during these higher-than-usual king tides,” said Luz Arregoces, the aquarium’s director of community engagement. “Amid the growing threat of sea level rise, we have to be attentive to and mindful of flood impacts and potential damage while working with the city, state, and community leaders on resiliency efforts.”
NOAA predicted that Boston will see 12 to 19 high tide flooding events this year.
“Because of rising seas, land subsidence, and the loss of natural barriers, high tide flooding is today twice as frequent in U.S. coastal communities as it was 20 years ago,” a NOAA website states.
According to the New England Aquarium, upcoming king tides are expected on October 8-11, and Nov. 5-8.
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