Cyclone Naming Authorities and Systems

The authority over naming cyclones typically lies with regional meteorological organizations part of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), ensuring systematic and standardized naming practices across different regions.

Overview of Cyclone Naming Practices

The naming of cyclones follows a well-structured system that is designed to aid identification, warning, and community preparation. Regional organizations such as the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) in the Western North Pacific, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, and the Fiji Meteorological Service in the South Pacific each maintain their own list of names for tropical cyclones. These names are rotated and updated to reflect the impact of particularly deadly cyclones (such as those that have caused significant loss of life or property).

What is a Cyclone?

A cyclone is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a low-pressure area surrounded by spinning winds. The term cyclone is derived from the Greek word "cyclos," which means "coiling of a snake." These storms form due to atmospheric disturbances and are often accompanied by severe weather conditions including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges.

How Are Cyclones Named?

Cyclones are named based on specific criteria. Initially, they were named arbitrarily, often after boats, saints, or people. Subsequent renaming systems were introduced to make tracking and communication more effective. For instance, in the Atlantic, a storm named after the Antje boat led to the naming system of cyclones after female saints and, beginning in 1979, after both male and female saints. Presently, cyclones are named systematically by regional meteorological centers.

Six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMCs)

There are six RSMCs, each responsible for naming tropical cyclones in their respective regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), for example, names cyclones forming in the North Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. IMD coordinates with 12 other nations in the region to issue warnings and advisories. In April 2020, IMD released a list of 169 cyclone names, with 13 of these names suggested by WMO/ESCAP member nations.

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and ESCAP Panel

The WMO and ESCAP created a system for naming cyclones in the Asia Pacific region in the early 2000s. In 2018, the list of cyclone names was expanded to include additional countries, primarily in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. The final list of names is decided by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC).

Difference Between Tropical and Extra-Tropical Cyclones

A tropical cyclone is a rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that forms over warm tropical or subtropical ocean waters and has a closed low-level atmospheric circulation. Tropical cyclones are categorized into three types: tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes. An extra-tropical cyclone, on the other hand, is a type of low-pressure area that forms over the mid and high latitudes, often developing along cold fronts. It is usually colder and more stable, leading to more gradual changes in weather conditions.

Guidelines for Cyclone Naming

The guidelines for cyclone naming ensure that the names are neutral, easy to pronounce, and not offensive to any culture, political figure, or specific group. Here are the key guidelines:

The name must be neutral, non-political, non-religious, and gender-neutral. The name must not cause offense or evoke negative emotions. The name must be short and easy to pronounce. The name must be of a maximum of eight letters and have a pronunciation guide. The same name is not used again until it has been used in a previous cyclone.

For instance, "Cyclone Fani" means "Hood of a Snake" and "Cyclone Tauktae," named by Myanmar, is "Gecko" in Burmese, meaning "Highly Vocal Lizard."

An example of a cyclone with recent developments is the "Gulab" cyclone, expected to make landfall on Sunday, September 26, 2021, in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The IMD has issued an orange alert, and authorities have begun evacuation and relief operations.

Understanding and respecting the naming and naming practices of cyclones is crucial for effective response and mitigation efforts, ensuring that communities across the globe are better prepared to face these powerful natural phenomena.