UK Storm Names 2026/27
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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 14 June 2026 by the Pressorbit weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Around 10–15 named storms affect the UK each autumn and winter, with the Met Office, Met Éireann and KNMI collaborating to assign names from a pre-selected list for the 2026/27 season. For coastal and inland communities alike, understanding the naming system helps you track severe weather and plan ahead.
Why are storms given names?
Storms are named to simplify communication when severe weather is forecast. A single, recognisable name makes it easier for the public, media and emergency services to refer to a particular event consistently. The Met Office, Met Éireann and KNMI (the Dutch weather service) jointly manage the UK storm-naming scheme, which started in 2015. A storm is named only when its expected impacts are high enough to trigger an amber or red warning for wind, rain or snow.
How the naming list is created
Each year the three agencies publish a new alphabetical list for the storm season, which runs from early September to the end of August. Names are selected from public suggestions and alternate between male and female. Letters Q, U, X, Y and Z are skipped to keep names consistent across international borders. The 2026/27 list will follow the same pattern, with the first storm of the season receiving a name beginning with A (for example, Storm Ashley). Past lists have included Storm Babet, Storm Ciaran, Storm Eunice and Storm Darragh.
Storm names 2026/27: what we know so far
The full list for 2026/27 is usually revealed by the Met Office in early autumn. Once released, it will be available on our UK weather hub and on the Met Office website. The naming system helps ensure that when you ask “what is this storm called today?” there is a clear answer linked to official warnings. Each storm keeps its name for its entire lifetime, even if it moves away from the UK and later returns.
When is the next storm coming to the UK?
There is no fixed timetable – storms are named only when specific criteria for impact are met. The Met Office issues warnings several days ahead, so the best way to stay ahead is to check the live forecast above and our 10-day forecast regularly. If a storm is forecast to affect the UK within 48 hours, you will see the name appear in official updates and on our UK Weather Warnings page.
Recent storm names UK
Recent seasons have brought a range of named storms. In 2024–2025, for example, notable storms included Storm Bert (November 2024), Storm Darragh (December 2024), Storm Eowyn (January 2025) and Storm Floris (February 2025). Each was widely covered in the live forecast above and prompted amber or red warnings. Knowing recent storm names can help you recognise patterns in the naming sequence – for instance, names are used in strict alphabetical order, so a storm called “Ivo” will follow “Herminia”.
What is this storm called today?
If a storm is currently affecting the UK, its name will be shown on the live conditions above and on the Met Office homepage. You can also check our UK weather hub for real‑time updates. If no storm is active, the forecast will show only standard low‑pressure systems without a name. The naming system helps you find information quickly: just search for the storm name and you will see warnings, impacts and advice.
How do I find out what the next storm is called?
The Met Office publishes the full storm list in early autumn for the coming season. Before that, the next storm name is simply the next letter in the alphabet from the most recent one used. Check the live forecast above or our weather hub for the latest named storm in that list.
Are storm names ever repeated?
No. If a storm causes significant damage or loss of life, its name is retired to avoid confusion in future. Storms such as Eunice (2022), Dennis (2020) and Arwen (2021) have been retired. The Met Office and partners choose new names from public suggestions each year.
What happens if a storm hits the UK but was named by another country?
Occasionally a storm develops over the Atlantic and is first named by the US National Hurricane Center or another European agency. If it affects the UK with high impact, the Met Office will typically adopt that name rather than assigning a new one. This keeps international communications clear.
For the latest storm information, always refer to official warnings and check the live conditions above. Our Sources & Standards page explains how we verify weather data.
