Globally, sea levels are rising as average temperature is rising. This is primarily due to thermal expansion of ocean water and melting land ice. As a low-lying coastal city, Miami is vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise.
Floods and Sea Level Rise in Miami
- City of Miami uses the Southeast Florida Climate Compact Unified Sea Level Rise Projections2 to inform our adaptation plans. According to these standards:
- by 2030, sea level is projected to rise 6 to 10 inches above 1992 mean sea level
- by 2060, sea level is projected to rise 14 to 34 inches above 1992 mean sea level
- Residents may experience flooding in their daily lives due to heavy rainfall, sometimes referred to as rain bombs, and seasonal high tides, called King Tides.
- King Tides are higher-than-normal tides which occur annually and predictably in September through November in Miami.3
- Heavy rainfall coupled with high tides can overwhelm current stormwater infrastructure and prevent proper drainage.4