The Met Office has officially unveiled its roster of storm names for the 2025-2026 season, continuing a tradition that helps boost public awareness and safety during severe weather events across the UK and Ireland.
This year's list, developed in collaboration with Met Éireann and KNMI, features a blend of monikers suggested by the public and those chosen by the national meteorological services. The upcoming season will kick off with Storm Isha, followed by Storm Jocelyn.
Why Do We Name Storms?
The practice of naming storms was introduced to simplify communication about impending severe weather. A named storm becomes significantly easier for the public to track and discuss, which in turn helps people stay informed and take necessary precautions. The system has proven highly effective since its inception.
"Naming storms helps to provide a consistent and clear message, which supports our public safety role," explained a Met Office spokesperson. "It removes ambiguity and ensures that warnings are understood and acted upon."
The Complete 2025-2026 Storm List
The full sequence of names for the upcoming season is as follows:
- Isha
- Jocelyn
- Klaus
- Lily
- Mark
- Nelly
- Olly
- Piet
- Róisín
- Sam
- Teagan
- Vincent
- Walid
How Storms Are Chosen for Naming
Not every low-pressure system receives a name. The Met Office and its partners only christen a storm when it is likely to trigger weather warnings for strong winds, and potentially rain or snow, that could cause substantial disruption. The criteria are based on the potential impact of the weather, not just its intensity.
The names alternate between male and female and are taken from a pre-determined list. This avoids any confusion and ensures a structured approach throughout the storm season.
A Look Back: The 2024-2025 Season
The previous storm season was notably active, with several named storms causing widespread disruption. The most impactful was Storm Kathleen, which brought powerful gusts and heavy rain, leading to travel chaos and power outages for many.
As climate patterns evolve, the Met Office continues to emphasise the importance of being prepared for extreme weather, making the storm naming system a crucial tool in the nation's resilience strategy.
