The Met Office has unveiled the storm names for the 2024/25 season. The annual list of storms, which was first introduced in 2015, typically runs from early September until late August the following year, aligning with the start of autumn.

This year’s list includes James, Lewis and Mavis, all named in honour of significant figures from the Met Office’s 170-year history. James is a tribute to Group Captain James Stagg, the chief meteorologist who advised General Dwight Eisenhower on the D-Day landings’ weather forecast.

Lewis honours Lewis Fry Richardson, who developed a theory to use maths and physics for computerised weather forecasts. Mavis is a nod to Mavis Hinds, who worked on the earliest Met Office computers.

In collaboration with Met Eireann in Ireland and KNMI, the Dutch weather service, meteorologists name storms to simplify the communication of severe weather. Last week, Storm Lilian, which brought winds exceeding 70mph to northern England and Wales, became the 12th named storm of the 2023/24 season and marked the first time the letter L has been used for a storm’s name.

Will Lang, who leads responses in times of severe weather for the Met Office, said: “This year, as we celebrate our 170th birthday, it’s great to be able to honour those who have had an impact on our long history of pioneering weather and climate science services.”