The Met Office has named Storm Austen as the first named storm of the season, with 70mph winds and torrential rain forecast to hit the UK on Thursday night and Friday. The forecaster announced the storm earlier today (October 20) and said it would bring its "most impactful conditions" during that period, along with lower temperatures than seen this month.
How storm names are decided
The UK's storm naming system is relatively recent, having only begun in 2015. According to the Met Office, the scheme is run jointly by the Met Office, Met Éireann and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The Netherlands is part of the group because weather systems affecting north-west Europe frequently impact multiple countries.
Working together allows the three meteorological services to apply a consistent approach to naming storms that have the potential to cause significant impacts across the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands, helping people access the latest forecasts and warnings more easily.
Why certain names are picked
Some names may be selected simply because they have not been used previously, but there is a deeper strategic rationale behind the naming process: to raise public awareness of approaching storms. The Met Office explains that naming storms using a single authoritative system provides a consistent message and aids the communication of approaching severe weather through media partners and other government agencies, helping the public keep themselves, their property and businesses safe.
Can the public suggest storm names?
Yes, the Met Office confirms that members of the public can put forward names for storms through an online form, though there is no guarantee their suggestion will be selected. The Met Office notes that any future names for the Met Office component of the list may be compiled from these suggestions.
Storm Austen's current status
Although Storm Austen is expected to arrive within a couple of days, its precise path is still being determined. Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Tom Crabtree, cautioned: "While the exact track and position of Storm Austen is still being determined, what's clear is that we have an impactful period of weather on the way and the potential for disruption in places, which has resulted in the system being named." Weather warnings are under constant review and could be updated as confidence increases, so it's important to stay up to date with the forecast in the coming days.
