The UK’s decade-long practice of naming storms, initiated in 2015, has demonstrably increased public engagement with weather warnings, according to the Met Office. Lists of names from A to W are issued each September, marking the start of the storm season, and follow the convention of the US National Hurricane Center by excluding the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z.
The collaborative approach with the Irish and Dutch meteorological services ensures a diverse selection of names, sometimes resulting in unusual choices.The public plays a role, submitting suggestions alongside those inspired by figures from history, current events, and even personal connections.
Recent examples highlight this blend: “Bram,” honoring Dracula author Bram Stoker, and “Dave,” a tribute from a member of the public to “my husband who snores three times louder than any storm.” “Ruby,” named after a beloved grandmother, proved the most popular ‘R’ name nominated for the current season.
While lists extend from A to W, the reality is that most names remain unused. In the last ten years, no more than 12 storms have been named in a single UK season, meaning names beginning with M, N, O, and later letters have never been deployed. The busiest season to date was 2023/24, concluding with Storm Lilian.
Conversely, 2022/23 was the quietest in the last decade, with only two storms named – Antoni and Betty – both in August, near the season’s end.The Met Office reports that naming storms helps the public to remember the potential impacts of severe weather and prepare accordingly, leading to increased awareness and a greater likelihood of heeding safety advice.
