The Met Office has launched its annual call for public suggestions as it begins compiling the list of storm names for the coming autumn and winter season. For the eighth consecutive year, the weather authority is inviting people across the United Kingdom and Ireland to submit their preferred names for the next batch of severe weather systems that could batter the nations.
The programme, which sees the Met Office collaborate with counterparts in Ireland and the Netherlands, has become a fixture in the British calendar. Each year, thousands of names flood in from hopeful members of the public who dream of having their moniker attached to a powerful Atlantic depression.
The deadline for submissions falls on 31 August, giving the public just weeks to put forward their suggestions before the official naming list takes shape for the 2024/25 season.
How the Naming Process Works
The Met Office receives its shortlist of suggested names through an online form available on its website. Those wishing to participate simply need to provide their chosen name alongside a brief explanation of why it deserves to be selected.
Once the submission window closes, Met Office experts work alongside their counterparts at Met Éireann in Ireland and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) to curate the final alphabetical list. The names are arranged in alphabetical order, skipping those that duplicate previous seasons or clash with the naming conventions of partner nations.
The result is a carefully assembled catalogue that runs from A to Z, ready to be deployed the moment a storm meets the threshold for naming. That threshold remains consistent across all three countries: sustained mean wind speeds of 39mph or greater, or heavy rain and snow that poses a significant risk to life and property.
Names That Made the Cut
The 2023/24 storm season saw an array of memorable names assigned to weather systems that brought disruption across Britain. From Storm Babet – which triggered devastating flooding across parts of England and Scotland in October 2023 – to Storm Henk, which left thousands of homes without power in January, each name carried its own weight of consequence.
Other names from that cycle included Storm Agnes, Storm Babet, Storm Ciarán, Storm Debi, Storm Elin, Storm Fergus, Storm Gerrit, Storm Hir, Storm Jocelyn, and Storm Kathleen. Some proved more destructive than others, but all served their purpose in alerting the public to developing hazards.
Historical names from previous seasons continue to resonate. Storm Desmond, Storm Ophelia, and Storm Emma remain etched in collective memory, serving as stark reminders of the havoc extreme weather can inflict on daily life.
Why the Public Wants In
There is something uniquely compelling about having your name attached to a force of nature. The Met Office reports that submissions consistently pour in from individuals hoping their suggestion will join the prestigious list. Many cite personal reasons – the name of a loved one lost, a favourite character from literature, or simply a name they find appealing.
The psychological impact of storm naming should not be underestimated. Research conducted by the Met Office suggests that giving a storm a human name heightens public awareness and encourages people to take precautions. A name transforms an abstract meteorological event into something personal and tangible.
“The naming of storms provides a clear, memorable, and consistent message to the public and helps us to communicate clearly about the potential impacts of severe weather,” the Met Office has stated in previous communications on the subject.
The tradition began in the United States before crossing the Atlantic, with the National Weather Service starting the practice in the 1950s. The UK and Ireland adopted their own version in 2015, and the programme has grown steadily in scope and recognition since.
What Names Are Excluded?
Not every suggestion makes the cut. The Met Office maintains strict guidelines about which names are permissible. Those already used in recent seasons are automatically disqualified to avoid confusion. Names that are too similar to existing storm names from partner countries are also rejected to prevent international misunderstandings during cross-border weather events.
Unsurprisingly, the Met Office has stated that names beginning with the letters Q, U, X, Y, and Z are not accepted, as they do not align with the naming conventions used by Atlantic hurricane centres. This restriction ensures consistency across global weather warning systems.
Additionally, the organisation reserves the right to reject names deemed inappropriate, offensive, or commercially sensitive. The aim is to produce a list that is professional, accessible, and suitable for broadcast across all media platforms.
A Growing Tradition
The storm naming programme has evolved into something of a cultural phenomenon in Britain. Each September, news outlets cover the announcement of the new alphabetical list with considerable interest. Social media buzzes with speculation about which names might be selected and whether the upcoming season will live up to its predecessors.
For the Met Office, the exercise serves a serious purpose beyond public engagement. By naming storms consistently and prominently, the organisation strengthens its ability to communicate risk effectively. When a named storm is forecast, the public is more likely to check travel advisories, secure loose outdoor items, and prepare emergency supplies.
The collaboration with Ireland and the Netherlands reflects the interconnected nature of European weather patterns. Storms that form in the Atlantic frequently affect all three nations, making cross-border coordination essential for public safety messaging.
Why It Matters
The storm naming programme stands at the intersection of public safety and cultural engagement. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the need for clear, impactful communication has never been greater. A memorable name can be the difference between someone dismissing a weather warning or taking it seriously. For those lucky enough to see their suggestion selected, the honour carries a bittersweet weight – their name will forever be linked to whatever destruction or disruption that storm brings. As the submission window narrows, the Met Office’s invitation remains open: suggest a name, and perhaps history will remember you for the weather.