The 2026 El Niño is expected to cause novel extreme weather patterns. Forecasting models are unable to forecast these patterns yet. It will may cause conditions that vary from past seasons. Forecasters note the lack of data makes it harder to guess storms, droughts, and heatwaves. Scientists observe 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 seek to upgrade their systems as new data becomes available. Right now, uncertainty is the main characteristic of the 2026 El Niño.