The question on most minds was 'what sort of El Niño should we expect?' While climate models indicate a strong El Niño pattern, this is unlikely to be a repeat of the classic dry El Niño 1980s and 1990s events of the past. Record sea surface temperatures mean the atmosphere is carrying considerably more moisture than during previous El Niño events. Growers should be prepared for periods of both water deficit and sudden heavy rainfall rather than assuming a consistently dry season. The 2026/27 season is unlikely to follow the textbook definition of El Niño.