The Met Office has announced the list of named storms for the upcoming 2024/2025 storm season. This annual practice, initiated in 2015, aims to enhance public awareness and preparedness for severe weather events.
Honoring Met Office Pioneers To commemorate its 170th anniversary, the Met Office has incorporated three historical figures into the storm naming list: James, Lewis, and Mavis.
- James Stagg: A Group Captain and chief meteorologist, James Stagg provided crucial weather forecasts for the D-Day landings during World War II.
- Lewis Fry Richardson: A visionary scientist who developed mathematical theories for weather prediction using computers.
- Mavis Hinds: A pioneering figure in the Met Office’s early computer operations.
Raising Awareness and Promoting Safety The Met Office, in collaboration with Met Éireann (Ireland) and KNMI (Netherlands), names storms to alert the public to potential dangers well in advance. Post-storm surveys consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, with a significant majority of people within warning areas taking action to protect themselves.
Storm Naming Convention The first storm of each season begins with the letter A, and the subsequent storms follow the alphabetical order of pre-agreed names. For the 2024/2025 season, the inaugural storm is Ashley.
Stay Informed and Prepared As the storm season unfolds, it’s essential to stay updated on weather forecasts and follow the guidance provided by the Met Office. By understanding the potential risks and taking appropriate precautions, individuals can minimize the impact of severe weather events on their lives and communities.