Fionnuala, Bram and Patrick among 2025-26 storm names

The name Bram has made it to the 2025-26 list in honour of Dublin-born writer Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula

Dave, Fionnuala and Patrick are among a new list of names that will be given to storms affecting the UK, Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands over the next year, honouring loved ones, cultural figures and heavy snorers.

One of the first storms of the season will carry a distinctly gothic edge.

Bram, chosen in honour of Dublin-born Dracula writer Bram Stoker, will be the second storm name of the 2025-26 season.

More than 50,000 suggestions were sent in by the public to the Met Office, Met Éireann and the Dutch weather service KNMI for the upcoming season, which runs from Monday until 31 August 2026.

It is the first time all three organisations have relied entirely on public submissions.

The Met Office says naming storms has had proven benefits in raising awareness and saving lives since the scheme began in 2015.

"Naming storms isn't just about giving them a label, it's about making sure people take notice," according to Rebekah Hicks from the Met Office.

"When a storm has a name, it becomes easier for the media and public to talk about it, share information, and prepare.

"It's a simple step that can make a big difference in helping communities stay safe."

According to the Met Office, surveys following Storm Floris in August found that 93% of people in amber warning areas were aware of the alerts, and 83% took action to prepare.

Eoin Sherlock, from Met Éireann, said the naming scheme has a powerful role in connecting weather risks with the public.

"2025 marks 10 years since the storm naming initiative began and we wanted to involve Ireland's public more than ever, so we invited them to send us their perfect storm names," he said.

"These included Bram, honouring the renowned Irish writer Bram Stoker.

"We know that naming storms makes it easier for people to track important and up-to-date forecasts and safety-related information."

The stories behind the names

Amy was the most popular name submitted to the Met Office, with many people associating it with loved ones.

Other names carry light-hearted tributes.

Dave was described as "my beloved husband who can snore three times louder than any storm".

Stevie was inspired by the American singer Stevie Nicks who sings the lyrics "thunder only happens when it's raining" in the Fleetwood Mac song Dreams.

Before a name is added to the list, officials consider factors such as how easy it is to pronounce, whether it has different meanings across the countries, if it is connected to a public figure and whether it could be considered controversial.

Storms are named when they are expected to have medium or high impacts. Wind is the primary concern, although heavy rain or snow may also be factors.

Storm Éowyn triggered a rare red warning for Northern Ireland earlier this year

How stormy was last season?

The 2024-25 season was quieter than the previous one with six named storms, while the year before saw a record of 12.

Among them was Storm Éowyn which triggered a rare red warning for Northern Ireland and caused widespread damage and disruption, with winds of more than 90mph (145km/h).

Éowyn also brought record winds to the Republic of Ireland with hurricane-force gusts of 114mph (184km/h) recorded in Counties Donegal and Galway.

The letters Q, U, X, Y and Z are not used in the list, which is consistent with international storm-naming conventions.

Storms named by other countries keep their name if they reach British, Irish or Dutch shores.