‘Wicked High’ King Tides Set to Roll in at Boston Harbor This Fall

Boston is set to experience significantly high tides, known as “wicked high” king tides, this fall, noted the Stone Living Lab on Boston Harbor.

The tides are driven by the alignment of the moon's phases and orbit. A Boston.com report explained the phenomenon: The moon's orbit around the Earth takes a more oval shape than a perfect circle. When the moon is closest to the Earth, it's in “perigee,” often referred to as “perigean spring tides.”

According to the Stone Living Lab, when the moon is closer to the Earth than the sun, the pull on the Earth becomes stronger. When combined with a full or new moon, a situation when the Earth, sun, and moon all align, the tides become two to four feet higher than usual.

This phenomenon occurs a few times each year, offering residents and visitors several opportunities to observe it.  To enhance public engagement, the National Park Service's High Tide Trail provides a walking tour along Boston's coastline, allowing people to view and learn about these high tides up close.

Additionally, the Stone Living Lab has scheduled high tide events at Long Wharf throughout the fall (see below):