Storm Chandra and the Story Behind How Storms Are Named

If you’ve been listening to the weather updates recently, you might have heard the name Storm Chandra. But have you ever wondered why storms get names at all, and how those names are chosen? It turns out there’s more to it than just picking something catchy from a hat.

Why Do Storms Have Names?

Naming storms might seem like a modern gimmick, but it’s actually a practical safety measure. When meteorologists issue warnings, it’s much easier to communicate about “Storm Chandra” than “the storm approaching southern England on January 23rd.” Names make storms memorable, reduce confusion, and help the public take warnings seriously.

How Storms Are Named

In the UK and Ireland, storms are named by the Met Office in collaboration with Met Éireann, the Irish meteorological service. They follow an alphabetical list of names prepared in advance each year. Names alternate between male and female, and they aim to be easy to pronounce and remember.

The criteria for naming a storm aren’t just about wind or rain—it’s based on potential impact. A storm only receives a name if it’s expected to cause significant disruption, such as travel chaos, flooding, or power outages. That’s why not every gusty day gets a dramatic title.

A Little History of Storm Naming

The practice of naming storms in the UK officially started in 2015, inspired by the US and Australian systems. Before that, only particularly severe storms were informally named by media outlets or meteorologists. The goal has always been to improve public awareness and ensure people take the necessary precautions.

Interestingly, the tradition of naming storms goes back further internationally. In the 1950s, hurricanes in the Atlantic were given female names, a practice that later expanded to include male names and is now standard in many parts of the world.

Storm Chandra and the Science Behind It

Storm Chandra, like all named storms, has been tracked carefully by meteorologists. Satellite imagery, wind speed measurements, and weather modelling all feed into predicting its path and potential impact. By giving it a name, authorities make it easier for the media and the public to follow developments, prepare, and stay safe.

Why It Matters

While it might seem like just a name, storm naming plays a serious role in public safety. A memorable name ensures that warnings are shared widely, people take the threat seriously, and communities are better prepared. So next time you hear “Storm Chandra” on the radio, remember—it’s more than a headline; it’s a lifesaving tool.

Storms may come and go, but the names stick in our memory, helping us prepare, stay alert, and even add a little story to the weather reports we grew up listening to.