From Austen to Wende: The 21 storm names that could impact Ireland this season

Ireland's newest list of storm names has been unveiled just as Met Éireann warns of a wet and unsettled start to September.

The annual storm-naming programme, run jointly by Met Éireann, the UK's Met Office and the Netherlands' KNMI weather service, officially begins on September 1 and will run through to August 31, 2027.

The latest list features 21 names that could be assigned to storms bringing significant impacts to Ireland and neighbouring countries over the coming months.

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The full list of names include:

Austen, Boelo, Chloe, Dano, Evelyn, Finn, Gwendolyn, Heather, Ivy, Jade, Kilian, Laoise, Miriam, Nicola, Olaf, Phelim, Ruban, Shaun, Theo, Vesna and Wende.

This year's list includes several names selected by Met Éireann to mark the forecaster's 90th anniversary, including Austen, honouring the first director of the Irish Meteorological Service, and Evelyn, recognising Evelyn Murphy, the first woman to present the weather on RTÉ.

The naming system was introduced to help communicate weather risks more clearly and encourage people to take action when severe weather is forecast. Met Éireann, the Met Office and KNMI have worked together on the initiative for more than a decade.

Unsettled start to September

The unveiling of the new storm names comes as the national forecaster brings somewhat bad news for the first week of September.

According to Met Éireann's latest forecasts, low pressure is expected to dominate this week, bringing higher-than-average rainfall across much of the country. Temperatures are forecast to remain slightly above average for the time of year despite frequent spells of rain and showers.

Forecasters say the week will feature a mix of wet and breezy conditions, with outbreaks of rain expected on several days. Heavy rain is possible at times, while brighter and drier interludes are likely to be short-lived. Current indications suggest unsettled conditions could persist into next weekend.

Today

Most areas dry today with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. Some scattered showers too, especially in the Northwest, some heavy later.

A spell of rain will begin to move into the Southwest this evening or early tonight. Highest temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees, best values across Leinster and east Munster; all in a light to moderate southwest breeze.

Some well scattered showers early tonight. However, outbreaks of rain in the Southwest will gradually extend northeastwards, turning heavy in places. Hill, mist and coastal fog too.

The rain will ease in the Southwest later. Lowest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees, mildest for southern counties. Southerly breezes will be mostly light to moderate in strength, fresher though along southern fringes.

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Wednesday

Wednesday will begin damp or wet, with heavy overnight rain moving off into the Irish Sea. While the rain will ease, patchy drizzle will follow from the west. Drizzle will turn heavy at times across the Northwest and along south and west coasts.

However, warm sunny spells may break through across the Midlands, East and Southeast too. Very mild and humid in a moderate southwest breeze, with highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees.

Well scattered showers and clear spells expected on Wednesday night with moderate southwesterly breezes. A mild night with lowest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees.

Thursday

Mainly dry to start with sunny spells and just well scattered showers. Outbreaks of rain will move in from the west through the afternoon, likely extending to most areas by the evening. Highest temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees with moderate to fresh west to southwest winds, strong at times near coasts.

Widespread outbreaks of rain will continue at first on Thursday night, heavy at times. The rain will likely become mostly confined to the south and southeast towards morning. Lowest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees with moderate southwesterly winds, fresher along southern coasts.

Friday

A drier day for most with sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly affecting the north and northwest. Highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees with moderate to fresh westerly winds.

Saturday

There is uncertainty in the details with further outbreaks of rain likely. Highest temperatures of 15 to 19 degrees with mostly light southerly breezes.

Further outlook

Likely remaining unsettled on Sunday and Monday with further rain and showers.