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Olaf, Boelo and Shaun: Met Office confirms storm names for 2026/27 after 40,000 public submissions
United Kingdom🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/1/2026

Olaf, Boelo and Shaun: Met Office confirms storm names for 2026/27 after 40,000 public submissions

The Met Office, along with Ireland's Met Éireann and the Netherlands' KNMI, have confirmed the storm names for the 2026/27 season, selecting names such as Austen, Boelo, and Chloe from over 40,000 public submissions. These organizations have been naming storms since 2015, using alphabetical lists that exclude certain letters like Q, U, X, Y, and Z. The process includes honoring individuals, animals, and cultural icons, such as Shaun the Sheep from the Wallace and Gromit animations. Names are chosen not only for their popularity but also to raise awareness and help the public prepare for severe weather. This year's selection includes names inspired by a young weather enthusiast, a Labrador puppy, and historical figures in meteorology.

The Met Office, along with Ireland’s Met Éireann and the Netherlands’ KNMI, has officially released the list of storm names for the 2026–2027 season. The selection process involved public input, with over 40,000 names submitted by individuals across the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. These names will be used to identify significant weather events beginning in early September 2026 and continuing until late August 2027. The first named storms of the upcoming season will be Austen, Boelo, and Chloe, according to officials. The naming system has been in place since 2015, with each organisation responsible for maintaining a rotating list of names that align with seasonal patterns. Storms are typically named starting in early September, when the frequency of low-pressure systems begins to rise, increasing the likelihood of severe weather. Names are drawn from the alphabet, excluding those starting with Q, U, X, Y, and Z due to naming conventions aligned with the US National Hurricane Centre. Public engagement played a central role in shaping the latest list. In 2025, the three meteorological agencies invited the public to submit names, resulting in thousands of entries. Many of these names were selected based on their popularity, cultural significance, or the stories behind them. For instance, the name Austen was proposed in memory of Austen Nagle, the first director of the Irish Meteorological Service. Chloe, which appears on the current list, was submitted more than 130 times, including by the mother of a five-year-old child who is deeply interested in weather phenomena. Another notable entry, Ivy, was nominated in honor of a nine-month-old Labrador puppy known for its playful energy. Other names reflect both humor and sentimentality. Finn was suggested for a two-year-old boy described by his family as “wild and a force to be reckended with.” Nicola was chosen to recognize a mother who has endured numerous challenges yet emerged stronger. Theo was inspired by a cat that seemed to anticipate thunderstorms, prompting its owner to joke that the animal had a knack for predicting the weather. Additionally, the name Shaun entered the list through a public vote organized in collaboration with Aardman, the British animation studio behind Wallace and Gromit. This initiative aimed to attract broader attention to severe weather preparedness by merging the Met Office’s forecasting capabilities with engaging storytelling. The inclusion of names tied to historical figures and local traditions highlights the collaborative nature of the naming effort. To commemorate its 90th anniversary, Met Éireann included names honoring pivotal figures in its history, such as Evelyn Murphy, the first woman to present the weather on Ireland’s national public service broadcaster RTÉ. Similarly, KNMI incorporated names from over 3,000 public submissions, including Boelo, a rare name from the eastern Groningen region that has been preserved within a family for generations. The practical application of storm names extends beyond recognition; they serve as critical tools for communication and safety. According to Holly Clements, head of warnings and guidance at the Met Office, the practice of naming storms has enhanced the ability to convey risk and urgency during severe weather events. Named storms provide clarity in forecasts and warnings, enabling individuals to better understand potential impacts and take necessary precautions. Eoin Sherlock, head of the forecasting division at Met Éireann, emphasized that the increased visibility of storm names, evident in higher website traffic and social media engagement, helps people access timely and accurate information during emergencies. As the 2026–2027 storm season approaches, the selected names will be used systematically, progressing through the alphabet. Last year’s list reached the letter D with Storm Dave on April 1, and additional storms named by other European meteorological services, such as Storms Benjamin, Claudia, and Goretti, also impacted the UK. The continued use of public-suggested names underscores the growing importance of community involvement in meteorological practices, ensuring that the naming process remains relevant and reflective of diverse perspectives.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 5 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

5 reports

BBC News (UK) logoBBC News (UK)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 909/1/2026
New storm names for 2026-2027 released by Met Office

The Met Office has released new storm names for the 2026-2027 storm season, continuing a collaborative effort with Met Éireann and KNMI to select names that reflect communities in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands. In 2025, over 40,000 names were publicly nominated, leading to selections like Austen, Chloe, and Ivy, each tied to personal stories. Some names honor historical figures, while others reflect local culture or notable individuals. The naming process avoids using names starting with Q, U, X, Y, and Z to align with international standards. Storms originating from tropical regions retain their original names, such as 'Storm Erin,' which impacted South West England in 2025.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual, neutral overview of the storm-naming process, focusing on collaboration between meteorological agencies and public input. There is no overt ideological framing, partisan emphasis, or editorialized language. The content remains objective, balancing information about命名的

Why factuality (95): The BBC article provides detailed and accurate information about the storm naming process, including specific examples like Austen, Chloe, and the story behind Ivy. It clearly states the collaboration between the three organizations and the exclusion of certain letters in naming conventions, matchin

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral and informative tone, presenting facts without emotional language or bias. It explains the rationale behind naming storms without taking sides or injecting personal opinion.

Sky News (UK) logoSky News (UK)IndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 859/1/2026
New storm names revealed - but how are they chosen, and why?

Sky News reports that the Met Office releases storm names for the upcoming year in September, based on public input. The article explains the process of selecting storm names and discusses the reasons behind this practice. It highlights how the public contributes to naming storms, which helps in communication and awareness during severe weather events.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the storm-naming process in a neutral manner, focusing on factual explanations without taking a clear ideological stance. It does not frame the issue in a politically charged way nor emphasize any particular perspective.

Why factuality (90): The Guardian article accurately reports the storm names and the public submission process, providing specific examples like Austen, Boelo, and Chloe. It includes details about the collaboration with other agencies and naming conventions, aligning well with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (85): The article presents information in a balanced manner, highlighting both the fun and practical aspects of storm naming. While it mentions the 'serious' purpose of naming storms, it does so in a way that supports the factual content rather than introducing bias.

Daily Mirror logoDaily MirrorIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 809/1/2026
Met Office: Full list of storm names from Shaun the Sheep to Olaf

The Met Office, in collaboration with Met Éireann and KNMI, has released the list of storm names for the 2026/27 season, which includes over 40,000 public suggestions. The first named storms of the season are Austen, Boelo, and Chloe, selected based on public input. The naming process aims to improve public awareness and preparedness for severe weather. The names follow alphabetical order, excluding certain letters, and include references to notable individuals and cultural figures like Shaun the Sheep from the Wallace and Gromit series. This initiative marks the Met Office's continued effort to engage the public and promote safety during storm seasons.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the naming of storms by the Met Office and related organizations without taking a clear ideological stance. It focuses on the collaborative process, public engagement, and the practical purpose of storm naming, rather than promoting any particular political or党

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the Met Office's announcement of storm names for the 2026/27 season, citing over 40,000 public suggestions. It mentions the collaboration with Met Éireann and KNMI, and provides examples like Shaun the Sheep and a Labrador puppy. The information aligns with the cross-s

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the facts of the storm naming process. However, there is slight editorializing in phrases like 'helping the public take notice, prepare and stay safe,' which implies a purpose beyond mere reporting.

The Independent logoThe IndependentIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 709/1/2026
Olaf, Boelo and Shaun: Met Office confirms storm names for 2026/27 after 40,000 public submissions

The Met Office, along with Ireland's Met Éireann and the Netherlands' KNMI, have confirmed the storm names for the 2026/27 season, selecting names such as Austen, Boelo, and Chloe from over 40,000 public submissions. These organizations have been naming storms since 2015, using alphabetical lists that exclude certain letters like Q, U, X, Y, and Z. The process includes honoring individuals, animals, and cultural icons, such as Shaun the Sheep from the Wallace and Gromit animations. Names are chosen not only for their popularity but also to raise awareness and help the public prepare for severe weather. This year's selection includes names inspired by a young weather enthusiast, a Labrador puppy, and historical figures in meteorology.

Bias read (Center): The article discusses the naming of storms, which is primarily a meteorological activity aimed at public safety. There is no significant political controversy or ideological framing in the content. The focus is on public engagement and the practical aspect of storm naming rather than any political议题

Why factuality (75): The article briefly mentions the release of new storm names but lacks detailed information about the selection process, the number of submissions, or specific examples. This makes it less comprehensive compared to other sources, though it still reflects the general consensus on the topic.

Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat vague and lacks depth, making it difficult to assess objectivity. While it doesn't appear biased, it fails to provide sufficient context or explanation, which affects its overall neutrality.

The Guardian (UK) logoThe Guardian (UK)IndependentCenterFactual 70Objective 659/1/2026
Shaun the Sheep hailed on latest list of storm names

The UK's Met Office, along with Ireland's Met Éireann and the Netherlands' KNMI, has released the list of storm names for the 2026-27 season. The names were chosen from over 40,000 public submissions, featuring individuals like a five-year-old weather enthusiast, a Labrador puppy, and Shaun the Sheep from the Wallace and Gromit animation. The naming initiative aims to improve communication about severe weather risks, enabling better preparation and safety measures. This year's names include Austen, Boelo, Chloe, and Shaun, among others, with some names originating from specific countries. The process highlights community involvement and the cultural significance of storm naming.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the storm naming process as a collaborative effort involving public input and international cooperation. There is no overt ideological slant, and the tone remains neutral, focusing on the practical and communicative purposes of storm naming rather than taking a political stance.

Why factuality (70): The article is incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence and lacking crucial details such as the number of submissions, the selection process, and specific examples of names. As a result, it is less reliable and does not fully align with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (65): The truncated nature of the article makes it difficult to assess objectivity. It appears to be a partial report with no clear attempt to present a balanced view, suggesting possible editorial oversight or incomplete publishing.

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