Israel, Greece, Cyprus Name Storms for 2026-27 Season

The meteorological services of Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have jointly announced the list of names selected for unusual weather events during the 2026-2027 season. The list comprises 25 names, contributed by the three nations, featuring a mix of Israeli, Greek, and Cypriot appellations. These names will be assigned to weather systems alphabetically.

Notable names chosen include Argus, Dorothea, Galfkos, Jason, Morpheus, Persephone, Sisyphus, and Iphinos from Cyprus; Eitan, Hadar, Kdam, Nadia, Tamar, Yitzhak, and Zohar from Israel; and Evrias, Eitan, Filippa, Icarus, Laskarina, Morpheus, Odyssey, Roxana, Urano, Virginia, and Xanthea from Greece. The meteorological centers of these countries collaborate within the 'Middle East Group,' an initiative spearheaded by Greece to name particularly severe weather systems.

These forecasting centers hold weekly meetings to share meteorological updates for the region and prepare collectively for anticipated weather systems. However, not every storm reaching Israel will receive a name from this new list. A storm already named by another meteorological group will retain its original designation, even if it subsequently affects the Israel, Greece, and Cyprus region.

The practice of naming storms in Europe commenced in 1995, aiming to enhance public awareness of extreme weather events and streamline the dissemination of warnings. Utilizing a uniform name aids emergency services and media outlets in communicating potential dangers to human life and property.