The Met Office has released the list of named storms for the 2024/2025 storm season. The annual list, established in 2015 to enhance public preparedness and safety, spans from September to late August of the following year. This new list includes James, Lewis, and Mavis, acknowledging significant figures from the Met Office’s 170-year history.
James honours Group Captain James Stagg, the chief meteorologist who advised General Dwight Eisenhower on the weather forecast for the D-Day landings, a pivotal moment in the Second World War. Lewis pays tribute to Lewis Fry Richardson, who pioneered using mathematics and physics for computer-based weather forecasting. Mavis recognises Mavis Hinds, who contributed to early Met Office computer developments.
Will Lang, head of severe weather responses at the Met Office, remarked on the importance of honouring those who have influenced the field of weather and climate science as the organisation celebrates its 170th anniversary.
We release the latest list of storm names tomorrow, but why do we name storms?
❗ Raise awareness ahead of severe weather
💬 Aid communication #StormNames pic.twitter.com/93YBfqgNpD— Met Office (@metoffice) August 28, 2024
Meteorologists from the Met Office, Met Éireann in Ireland, and KNMI in the Netherlands name storms to warn the public of impending extreme weather. The Met Office reports that naming storms raises awareness, with 97% of people in amber and red warning areas for Storm Babet being aware of the warnings and 89% taking action.
The first storm of each season starts with the letter A; this year’s initial storm is named Ashley. The subsequent storms follow an alphabetical list of pre-agreed names.
Storm Lilian, which brought winds exceeding 70mph to northern England and Wales last week, became the 12th named storm of the 2023/24 season and marked the first use of the letter L.
The complete list for the 2024/25 storm season includes: Ashley, Bert, Conall, Darragh, Eowyn, Floris, Gerben, Hugo, Izzy, James, Kayleigh, Lewis, Mavis, Naoise, Otje, Poppy, Rafi, Sayuri, Tilly, Vivienne, and Wren.
What Other Media Are Saying
- LBC reveals the storm names for the next season, including some names honoring figures from the Met Office’s history, such as Group Captain James Stagg.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
When does the storm year run?
The storm year runs from September until late August the following year.
Why are they naming storms?
Naming storms helps raise awareness and encourages action during extreme weather.
Who are James, Lewis, and Mavis named after?
James, Lewis, and Mavis are named after key figures from the Met Office’s history.
What was the first storm name for 2024/25?
The first storm name for 2024/25 is Ashley.
Did naming storms help people take action?
Yes, 89% of people in amber and red warning areas for Storm Babet took action.