The short version
- The UK's meteorological autumn begins with a new roster of storm names chosen from over 40,000 public submissions collected in the previous year.
- Naming protocols are triggered by forecasts of medium or high impact disruptions, including strong winds, heavy rain, or snow that may warrant amber or red warnings.
- The collaborative effort between UK, Irish, and Dutch meteorological agencies aims to standardize severe weather alerts across the western European storm-naming group.
As the calendar turns to September, marking the beginning of meteorological autumn in the United Kingdom, the nation enters its annual storm season. The Met Office has officially released the roster of names for the 2026-2027 period, a list designed to streamline communication during periods of severe weather. This initiative marks the eleventh year of formalized storm naming in the UK, a system established to provide clear and consistent information to the public when hazardous conditions are forecast.
The selection process for this year’s names was driven by widespread public participation. In 2025, three meteorological agencies—the Met Office, Ireland’s Met Éireann, and the Netherlands’ KNMI—invited citizens to submit suggestions. The response was substantial, with more than 40,000 nominations received. The final list aims to reflect the diverse communities across these three nations, incorporating both popular choices and entries backed by personal narratives.
The first names on the alphabetical roster for the upcoming season are Austen, Boelo, and Chloe, followed by Dano and Evelyn. These selections were not arbitrary but were chosen to honor specific individuals or stories submitted by the public. For instance, the name Austen was suggested in tribute to Austen Nagle, who served as the first director of the Irish Meteorological Service. This historical nod underscores the collaborative nature of the naming convention between the western European agencies.
Other names on the list carry more contemporary or personal significance. Chloe was selected after receiving over 130 nominations, including one from a mother describing her five-year-old daughter as both fascinated by weather patterns and capable of creating domestic chaos when tired. Similarly, the name Ivy was nominated to honor a nine-month-old Labrador puppy described affectionately as an 'absolute destructor.' These personal touches are intended to make the severe weather alerts more relatable and memorable for the general public.
The criteria for assigning a name to a storm are strict and based on potential impact rather than mere intensity. A storm receives a name when it is forecast to cause medium or high impacts, which could lead to the issuance of amber or red warnings. While strong winds are the most common trigger, other weather-related effects such as heavy rainfall or snow that may result in flooding or travel disruption are also taken into account. The decision balances the severity of the potential damage with the likelihood of its occurrence.
This standardized naming system is crucial for public safety. By using a single official nomenclature, meteorological agencies can share clear information about severe weather events, making it easier for individuals to track forecasts and take appropriate precautions. The system helps cut through confusion during chaotic weather periods, ensuring that warnings are easily identifiable across different media platforms and regions.
The UK, Ireland, and Netherlands operate as the western storm-naming group within a broader European framework that includes five such groups based on geographic proximity. While the agencies collaborate on the list, the application of names can vary by region. A storm named by Met Éireann or KNMI due to forecast impacts in Ireland or the Netherlands may not necessarily cause significant disruption in the UK. Therefore, a named storm does not automatically imply danger for every location within the naming group's jurisdiction.
Exceptions exist for systems originating outside Europe. Any remnant of a tropical storm or hurricane that crosses the Atlantic retains its original name to ensure consistency with US National Hurricane Center conventions. For example, ex-Hurricane Erin, which brought large swells to South West England in August 2025, was referred to as Storm Erin. To maintain alignment with international standards, names beginning with the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are excluded from the European lists.
The upcoming season follows a period of notable weather activity, including Storm Chandra in February 2026, which lashed large parts of the country, disrupting travel and cutting power. As residents prepare for the colder months, the availability of these names serves as a reminder of the potential for severe weather. The Met Office continues to emphasize preparedness, providing guidance on staying safe during storms and managing power cuts, while also analyzing how broader climate patterns like El Niño might influence the severity of the autumn and winter ahead.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗New storm names for 2026-2027 released by Met Office
