Multiple outlets report that the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has confirmed El Niño has officially started. Forecasters expect El Niño conditions to strengthen over coming months, with some projections describing the potential for unusually strong—or even “historic”—levels. All sources link the onset of El Niño to a higher likelihood of extreme weather impacts in Australia and the wider region. The reported risks include drought conditions, periods of extreme heat, and a greater chance of bushfires. The articles describe El Niño as a climate pattern that can shift ocean temperatures in the Pacific, influencing weather systems and rainfall patterns. While the degree and timing of impacts can vary across locations, the consensus from the coverage is that the start of El Niño marks the beginning of a period in which environmental conditions that contribute to heat and fire weather are more likely to occur. The reports rely on NOAA’s assessment as the basis for confirming the event, and they emphasize preparedness in response to forecast climate-driven hazards.