The UK storm season runs from the beginning of September to the end of August in the following year. Therefore, it is effectively ongoing, unlike the Atlantic hurricane season as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The latter officially on begins on 1st June and ends on 30th November.
Why the difference? The Atlantic hurricane season is based on historical data showing that the majority of hurricanes form during those months. Hurricanes mostly form in the tropics; however, deep areas of low pressure can form in the North Atlantic throughout the course of the year and head towards the UK.
The table lists the named storms which have been agreed by Met Éireann, the Met Office and KNMI. There are no storms for Q, U, X, Y and Z to be consistent with the US National Hurricane Centre naming conventions.
If the remnants of a hurricane or tropical storm approach the UK it is referred to by the name NOAA has assigned to it. For example, Hurricane Milton would be addressed as "ex-Hurricane Milton". However, if it meets the criteria to be a named storm in the UK, Ireland or Holland (western Europe group) it would become known as Storm Milton.
It isn't possible to forecast how many named storms there will be in a given season, but previous years can give some pointers. The 2023-24 season produced twelve, with the first being Agnes on 25th September 2023 and the last being Lilian on 22nd August 2024. The season was considered an active one.
In contrast there were only two in the 2022-23 season: Antoni and Betty. However, storms Otto (Danish Met Service) and Noa (Meteo France) impacted the UK and consequently retained their names.
The 2021-22 season saw Met Éireann, the Met Office and KNMI name six storms. In addition, one was retained from the Danish Met Service.
The table of named storms will be updated throughout the course of the season. Do you have views on the storm naming system? If so then let us know.
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