Shaun the Sheep hailed on latest list of storm names

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-01T08:20:50.129Z • Permanent link

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its latest list of potential storm names for the upcoming season, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources. The list, which features a mix of human names, fictional characters, and natural phenomena, was compiled after receiving over 40,000 suggestions from the public. Among the names chosen is Shaun the Sheep, the beloved animated character from the Aardman Animations series. The WMO's decision to include Shaun in the list has sparked a mix of reactions from the public, with some expressing surprise and others welcoming the move.

According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the WMO's list of potential storm names is intended to reduce the stigma associated with naming storms after people. In the past, some storms have been named after individuals, which can lead to media attention and public fascination, potentially affecting the storm's trajectory or behavior. The WMO's decision to use fictional characters and natural phenomena instead aims to minimize this effect. The list of potential storm names will be used to identify and name storms that meet the World Meteorological Organization's criteria for naming.

The release of the list coincides with the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1. According to data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the most active on record, with 19 named storms and several major hurricanes. As the 2023 season approaches, meteorologists and researchers are closely watching the list of potential storm names, which could influence the way storms are tracked and named.

The release of the list of potential storm names has significant implications for companies and researchers in the Global Infrastructure domain. For example, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) uses storm naming to identify and track storms that may affect its members and policyholders. The IBHS has expressed concerns about the potential impact of naming storms after fictional characters, which could lead to confusion and misinformation among the public. On the other hand, the National Weather Service (NWS) has praised the WMO's decision to use a more diverse range of names, which could help to reduce the stigma associated with naming storms.

The list of potential storm names also has implications for the insurance industry, which could be affected by the naming of storms. According to a report by the Insurance Information Institute (III), the naming of storms can have a significant impact on insurance rates and claims. The III notes that naming storms can increase insurance rates and lead to increased claims, particularly for storms that are named and receive significant media attention. As the 2023 season approaches, insurance companies and researchers will be closely watching the list of potential storm names, which could influence the way storms are tracked and named.

The WMO's decision to release a list of potential storm names is part of a larger trend towards greater transparency and communication in the field of meteorology. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of public engagement and awareness in the face of extreme weather events. The WMO's decision to use a more diverse range of names is intended to reduce the stigma associated with naming storms and to increase public awareness of the potential impact of storms. This approach is consistent with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which emphasizes the need for greater transparency and communication in the face of climate change.