El Niño 2026: Why this year's pattern could mean warmer Minnesota winter

A super El Niño is setting the stage for an especially wet and warm Minnesota winter, and the impact of the global weather pattern doesn't stop there.

How the 'Super El Niño' could affect our weather
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This winter, we are expecting to see what is called a “Super El Niño.” FOX 9 meteorologist Cody Matz spoke with Dr. Kenny Blumenfeld, Minnesota, senior climatologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, about what exactly this could mean for us in Minnesota. 

El Niño: What it is, how it affects our weather
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What is El Niño, where does it come from and how does it affect our weather?  FOX 9 Meteorologist Cody Matz spoke with Dr. Kenny Blumenfeld, Minnesota, senior climatologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about how this year’s El Niño weather pattern could affect our winter. 

This winter's El Niño could be strongest on record
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FOX 9 Meteorologist Cody Matz spoke with Dr. Kenny Blumenfeld, Minnesota, senior climatologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about what to know about this year’s El Niño weather pattern. 

Minnesota's 62K acres of forests at risk as USDA moves to end 'Roadless Rule'

A new proposal could open up more than 62,000 acres of Minnesota’s national forests to logging and development under the reversal of the “roadless rule" that has been in effect for 25 years.

Walz executive order hopes to protect BWCA
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Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order Tuesday that he says will protect Minnesota’s wilderness areas by banning new mining permits in and around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard has the details.

Gov. Walz bans new mining near Boundary Waters, splits labor allies

A new executive order from Gov. Tim Walz is putting a stop to new mining projects near the Boundary Waters, sparking strong reactions from both supporters and critics.

Man busted after customs uncovers bizarre cargo hidden inside 22 pairs of socks

A man was arrested at a Tokyo airport after authorities discovered about 200 lizards stuffed inside 22 pairs of socks in his suitcase, according to reports.

Dozens of deer in Wisconsin dead from EHD

Around 100 deer have been found dead in Washington County following the start of an EHD outbreak. The outbreak is likely to continue until the first frost of the season.

Chronic wasting disease confirmed in wild deer near Stillwater

A wild deer found near Stillwater has tested positive for chronic wasting disease, prompting new action from the Minnesota DNR.

Scientists discover 'demon' cavefish tucked away in Alabama cave

Researchers have uncovered a new species of blind cavefish hiding in one of the most studied cave systems in Alabama.

Boundary Waters reopens some entry points for overnight access

After weeks of closures due to raging wildfires, some parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are reopening for day and overnight access on Thursday.

VIDEO: Rattlesnakes spotted 'combat dancing' on Southern California street

A video captured by a FOX 11 viewer showing two massive rattlesnakes in Thousand Oaks served as a reminder that as heat rises, so do rattlesnake sightings.