Nashville, TN, August 26, 2026 — The next storm to form in the Atlantic hurricane season will officially be named Dolly. This designation is part of a predetermined naming convention and has no connection to the late entertainer Dolly Parton.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is responsible for maintaining and updating the lists of storm names. These lists are created and rotated on a six-year cycle. The name Dolly is scheduled to be used for the next identified tropical storm in the Atlantic basin this season.

Meteorological organizations around the world compile lists of potential storm names. These names are chosen from a pre-approved alphabetical list and are used sequentially as storms reach a certain intensity. The WMO ensures that the names are culturally neutral and easy to pronounce. Retired names, typically those associated with particularly destructive or deadly storms, are replaced to avoid causing further distress.

The current list of Atlantic storm names began its rotation in 2023 and will continue through 2028. The use of the name Dolly is purely a matter of alphabetical progression within this established system. Officials have stressed that the name’s selection is coincidental and separate from any public figures or cultural references.

The naming of storms serves as a crucial tool for communication among meteorologists, emergency managers, and the public. Using distinct names helps to avoid confusion when multiple weather systems are active simultaneously in the same region.


Story summarized from the original created by AP on www.newschannel5.com, see more information here.

Media gallery

About The Author