Met Office Reveals Storm Names for 2026/27 Following Public Input

The Met Office, in collaboration with Ireland's Met Éireann and the Dutch KNMI, has unveiled the names for the storms of the 2026/27 season after receiving an impressive 40,000 public submissions. The first storms will be named Austen, Boelo, and Chloe, marking the start of a season that runs from September through August.

This initiative, ongoing since 2015, aims not only to honor various contributors but also to enhance public safety during severe weather events. The naming convention follows an alphabetical order, intentionally bypassing letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z.

Among the memorable names chosen is Chloe, which was proposed over 120 times, including by the mother of a young weather enthusiast. Other notable names include Ivy, inspired by a playful Labrador puppy, and Finn, suggested for a spirited two-year-old. Additionally, Shaun, from the beloved Wallace and Gromit series, found his way onto the list through a public vote in collaboration with Aardman, aimed at engaging younger audiences.

For Met Éireann's 90th anniversary, names like Austen and Evelyn Murphy were selected to honor significant figures in Irish meteorological history. The KNMI also contributed by choosing Boelo, a rare name with family heritage.

Holly Clements of the Met Office emphasized the importance of naming storms, stating that it improves public understanding of weather risks and aids in preparedness. Eoin Sherlock from Met Éireann echoed this sentiment, noting that storm names facilitate tracking safety information during events. Storms are officially named when they are predicted to bring medium to high impacts, primarily focusing on wind, but also considering rain and snow.

Source: www.independent.co.uk