Storm Chandra : Why the UK's latest tempest is named after the Hindu lunar god?

Storm Chandra batters the UK with heavy gusts and harsh snow, curiosity has peaked regarding its unique name. Unlike the traditional Western labels often seen in the UK, "Chandra"—rooted in ancient Sanskrit—marks a notable shift in the 2025/26 storm season.

How was Storm Chandra named?

According to the Met Office, Storm Chandra was named through the "Name Our Storms" initiative, a long-standing partnership between the UK Met Office, Met Éireann (Ireland), and the KNMI (the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute). In an official press release dated September 1, 2025, the Met Office confirmed that the 2025/26 list was compiled from over 50,000 public suggestions submitted across the three nations.

The name "Chandra" was specifically contributed to the list by the KNMI. The Dutch meteorological service stated in its 2025 season launch that the name was a suggestion from a visitor during an institute open day. It was selected for the official rotation because it met international criteria for being distinct, easy to pronounce, and representative of the diverse cultures within the naming group.

Why is Storm Chandra named Chandra?

The choice of "Chandra" is a direct reflection of the diversity within the partner nations. As documented in the Met Office's "Name Our Storms" mission statement, names are selected to "reflect the different cultures, nations, and diversity across Britain, Ireland, and the Netherlands."

What is the origin of the name Chandra?

In Sanskrit, Chandra translates to "bright" or "shining" and refers to the Hindu god of the Moon. In Hindu mythology, Chandra is the lunar deity who represents the night, vegetation, and emotions. By including names like Chandra and Kasia (a name of Polish origin), the weather services aim to ensure the naming system remains inclusive while fulfilling its primary goal: making severe weather warnings more memorable for a modern, multicultural public.

Who comes up with storm names in the UK?

Storm names are decided annually by a joint committee from the Met Office, Met Éireann, and KNMI. Every September, this group releases an alphabetical list of 21 names. According to the Met Office, names are assigned when a storm is forecast to have the potential to cause "medium" or "high" impacts, typically triggering an Amber or Red warning.

As stated by the Met Office Storm Centre, the naming process is not based on the volume of requests for a specific name but rather on suitability. The goal is to make it "easier for the media and public to talk about it, share information, and prepare," ultimately helping communities stay safe.