The 2026 El Niño is expected to cause novel extreme weather patterns. Forecasting models are unable to forecast these patterns at this time. It will probably introduce conditions that vary from past seasons. Forecasters say the lack of data makes it challenging to foresee 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 need to stay alert to various effects. Researchers aim to enhance their methods as new data comes in. Right now, uncertainty is the primary aspect of the 2026 El Niño.