This year’s storm list unveiled as public opts for tribute to Shaun the Sheep
Meteorological services in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands have unveiled the storm names for the 2026/27 season. The list includes public suggestions ranging from tributes to pets to pop culture icons like Shaun the Sheep.
Why it matters
Naming storms is a critical public safety measure designed to increase awareness and improve emergency preparedness during severe weather events.
Austen, Boelo and Chloe will be the first named storms of this winter, meteorologists revealed, after more than 40,000 suggestions were submitted by the public.
Met ireann, in partnership with the UK's Met Office and the Dutch national weather forecasting service KNMI, has announced the list of storm names for the 2026/27 season, with many people putting forward suggestions in tribute to loved ones and favourite pets.
People submitted names in honour of a five-year-old weather enthusiast, a much-loved Labrador puppy, meteorological pioneers and Shaun the Sheep from the popular animation Wallace and Gromit.
But the Met Office also said the purpose of naming storms is also serious as it helps people take notice, prepare and stay safe in severe weather.
The organisations have been naming storms since 2015, with the list running from early September to the following August.
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