Met Éireann, UK, Netherlands Announce 2025/26 Storm Names

The 2025/26 storm season, running from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, marks the 10th anniversary of the storm naming initiative by Met Éireann, the UK Met Office, and the Netherlands' KNMI. This year, over 10,000 name suggestions were submitted by the public, with 21 names selected to reflect regional diversity, personal stories, and cultural heritage, including Irish names like Bram, honoring author Bram Stoker, and Gerard, named after a man battling illness. Storms are named when forecasted to cause medium or high impacts in one of the partner countries, helping to raise public awareness and improve communication about severe weather warnings. The initiative has proven effective, as seen during Storm Éowyn in January 2025, which generated over 3 million visits to Met Éireann's website in two days, aiding in public safety. The naming system prioritizes clear, consistent communication about disruptive weather events, facilitating preparation and response. Officials emphasize that while the name selection process is enjoyable and personal, it serves a critical role in protecting life and property.