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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 13 June 2026 by the Insight Britain weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Storm names for the 2026/27 season are chosen jointly by the Met Office, Met Éireann and KNMI from a public‑submitted list. A storm is named only when it is expected to cause substantial disruption, triggering amber or red warnings. This system helps the public stay informed and take action during severe weather.
Why does the Met Office name storms?
Naming storms makes it easier for the public to follow severe weather warnings. When a named storm is forecast, people immediately know it could be disruptive and can prepare. Research shows that naming increases awareness and encourages people to check official guidance, rather than relying on informal terms. The approach has been used in the UK since 2015 and is coordinated with Ireland and the Netherlands.
How does a storm earn a name?
A storm is named when the Met Office, Met Éireann or KNMI expects it to bring impacts that warrant a UK weather warning of amber or red level – typically for wind, rain or, occasionally, snow. The storm must have the potential to cause significant disruption to travel, power supplies or property. The decision is made ahead of the worst conditions so that warnings can be issued early.
Who decides the names and how are they chosen?
Each autumn the three national meteorological services publish a fresh list of names for the upcoming storm season, which runs from early September to late August. The names are drawn from suggestions submitted by the public. Each year’s list alternates male and female names, and letters Q, U, X, Y and Z are omitted to comply with international naming conventions. If a storm is particularly destructive, its name may be retired.
What are the storm names for 2026/27?
The full list for the 2026/27 season is typically announced in early September 2026. Recent storm names for the 2025/26 season – often referred to as storm names 25 26 – included names such as Eowyn and Otto. For the latest list of 2026 UK storm names, check the Met Office website or our UK weather hub. Previously used names are not repeated in the same season.
FAQ
When is the next storm coming to the UK?
No one can predict the exact date of a named storm weeks in advance. The Met Office issues severe weather warnings up to five days ahead. For the most up‑to‑date outlook, see our 10‑day forecast and monitor official warnings.
What is this storm called today?
If a storm is actively affecting the UK today, the Met Office will have named it and issued warnings. You can check the live conditions on our warnings page or the Met Office website. If no storm is named, the weather is being monitored but does not currently meet the naming criteria.
Are UK storm names recycled?
Names are used once per season and are not recycled in subsequent years – each season gets a fresh list. However, if a storm is exceptionally damaging, its name may be permanently retired to avoid confusion in future warnings. Storm Arwen (2021) and Storm Eunice (2022) are examples of retired names.
Where can I see the full list of past storm names?
An archive of recent storm names for the UK, including the 2025/26 season, is maintained by the Met Office. Our Sources & Standards page provides links to the official database and to independent weather monitoring organisations.