The 2026 El Niño is expected to cause novel extreme weather patterns. Forecasting models lack the capability to anticipate these patterns currently. It will likely bring conditions that vary from past seasons. Forecasters say the lack of data makes it harder to guess storms, droughts, and heatwaves. Scientists watch sea surface temperatures in the Pacific. They expect effects to come over the subsequent period. Without good predictions, governments and communities should be prepared to various effects. Researchers hope to improve their tools as new data comes in. Right now, uncertainty is the primary aspect of the 2026 El Niño.