Graham Easterling wrote:

Keith,

The largest astronomical tides occur close to the equinox. The highest
predicted tides in Penzance this year being 20/21st March, 28th
September & 26th October.

However, reality often varies quite a bit from predictions, even under
quite benign weather conditions. I've seen the tide still rising 30 or
40 minutes after it was due to turn.

The lower the atmospheric pressure the higher the tide, also,
especially in a bay like Mount's Bay, an onshore wind can raise the
tide. This combined with low pressure, can increase the height of the
tide by a few feet. On top of this you have the wave height to
consider. So what can make a difference is if there has been an
increase in stormy conditions close to the equinox, and I don't really
think there has.

Graham


I guess what I was thinking on top of this is are sea levels higher in
general nowadays so spring tides more dangerously high?
--
Keith (Southend)
http://www.southendweather.net
e-mail: kreh at southendweather dot net