The 2026 El Niño is poised to cause new extreme weather patterns. Forecasting models can't predict these patterns currently. It will may cause conditions that differ from past seasons. Forecasters note 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 next few months. Without good predictions, governments and communities must remain vigilant to multiple consequences. Researchers seek to upgrade their systems as new data becomes available. Right now, uncertainty is the key feature of the 2026 El Niño.