The 2026 El Niño is poised to cause new extreme weather patterns. Forecasting models can't predict these patterns at this time. It will may cause conditions that vary from past seasons. Forecasters indicate the lack of data makes it more difficult to predict 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 various effects. Researchers seek to upgrade their systems as new data is gathered. Right now, uncertainty is the primary aspect of the 2026 El Niño.