The 2026 El Niño is expected to make new extreme weather patterns. Forecasting models are unable to forecast these patterns yet. It will probably introduce conditions that differ from past seasons. Forecasters note the lack of data makes it harder to guess storms, droughts, and heatwaves. Scientists monitor sea surface temperatures in the Pacific. They anticipate impacts arriving over the subsequent period. Without good predictions, governments and communities should be prepared to many impacts. Researchers hope to improve their tools as new data comes in. Right now, uncertainty is the key feature of the 2026 El Niño.