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Storm names unveiled for 2026/27
Met Éireann has released its 2026/27 storm list, featuring 21 names that honour the service’s 90th anniversary and public nominations. The season begins today and runs until 31 August 2027 across Ireland, the UK and the Netherlands.
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⏱️ 2 min read
Met Éireann, together with the Met Office and KNMI, has unveiled the 2026/27 list of 21 storm names, kicking off the new season today and running until 31 August 2027. The Irish service’s selection includes four historically significant names—Austen, Evelyn, Kilian and Miriam—alongside three public‑chosen entries: Heather, Laoise and Phelim. The full list reads: Austen, Boelo, Chloe, Dano, Evelyn, Finn, Gwendolyn, Heather, Ivy, Jade, Kilian, Laoise, Miriam, Nicola, Olaf, Phelim, Ruban, Shaun, Theo, Vesna, Wende.
Eoin Sherlock, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann, explained that naming storms enhances public awareness and safety by providing consistent, memorable identifiers for severe weather. He noted that 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Irish Meteorological Service and that the chosen names pay tribute to pioneers such as Austen Nagle and Miriam Lyons. Holly Clements of the UK Met Office echoed this sentiment, emphasising that a named storm offers a clear focus for forecasts and warnings, helping people prepare and protect themselves.
Storms are named when they are forecast to bring medium or high impacts in one of the partner countries. The naming authority is the service that expects the greatest impact, and accompanying warnings for wind, rain or snow are issued accordingly. Since 2015, the Irish, UK and Dutch services have collaborated on this programme, and the names are shared across all participating meteorological agencies, ensuring consistency for the public and for emergency services alike.
Eoin Sherlock, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann, explained that naming storms enhances public awareness and safety by providing consistent, memorable identifiers for severe weather. He noted that 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Irish Meteorological Service and that the chosen names pay tribute to pioneers such as Austen Nagle and Miriam Lyons. Holly Clements of the UK Met Office echoed this sentiment, emphasising that a named storm offers a clear focus for forecasts and warnings, helping people prepare and protect themselves.
Storms are named when they are forecast to bring medium or high impacts in one of the partner countries. The naming authority is the service that expects the greatest impact, and accompanying warnings for wind, rain or snow are issued accordingly. Since 2015, the Irish, UK and Dutch services have collaborated on this programme, and the names are shared across all participating meteorological agencies, ensuring consistency for the public and for emergency services alike.