2026 El Niño officially begins: Here's what to expect

NOAA scientists have formally declared the arrival of El Niño today, warning that a massive buildup of Pacific Ocean heat could supercharge this event into one of the strongest on record. The shift is expected to suppress the Atlantic hurricane season, though forecasters warn it could trigger extreme winter weather, severe coastal high-tide flooding, and major global agricultural disruptions heading into the winter. FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist, Brooks Garner, sat with Garrett Wymer live to break down what Floridians can expect.