New storm names for 2026-2027 released by Met Office

As September arrives, the UK prepares for its storm season, with the Met Office unveiling a fresh set of names for the 2026-2027 period. The public were invited to suggest names, and this year's roster includes Austen, Boelo, and Chloe, followed by Dano and Evelyn. Storms are given names by meteorological bodies in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands when they pose medium or high levels of disruption or damage.

The Met Office, Met Éireann, and KNMI jointly choose the names, aiming to reflect the communities across the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. For instance, Austen was named in honor of Austen Nagle, the inaugural director of the Irish Meteorological Service. Chloe received over 130 nominations, including one from a mother whose daughter is captivated by weather but can still create storms when weary.

Ivy was named to pay tribute to a Labrador puppy known for its destructive nature. Names are assigned to storms that are anticipated to cause disruption or harm, leading to amber or red warnings, typically due to strong winds, heavy rainfall, or snow. This uniform naming system facilitates clear and consistent information dissemination about severe weather, enabling the public to stay secure.

The storm naming tradition has been in place for the UK for eleven years, with names drawn from public suggestions and personal stories. Names of tropical storms or hurricanes passing through the Atlantic retain their original names.