What are the typhoon names for 2026? What are the naming rules?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Typhoon knowledge · 更新 at 2026-08-03
How are typhoon names determined for 2026?
First, it is important to clarify a common misconception: there is no independent naming list specifically for a single year (such as 2026). Tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific and the South China Sea are named according to a fixed rotating list established by the Typhoon Committee under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This list consists of 140 names, with each of the 14 member countries and regions—Cambodia, China, North Korea, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Micronesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam—contributing 10 names.
This means that typhoon names for 2026 will be drawn sequentially from this rotating list of 140 names. For example, if the last name used in 2025 was the Xth name on the list, the first typhoon of 2026 will use the (X+1)th name. The list cycles continuously. A name is only replaced if a typhoon causes particularly severe disaster or loss and is subsequently "retired," in which case the original contributing country submits a new name as a replacement. Therefore, while the specific names used in 2026 depend on where the previous year's typhoon activity ended, all possible names come from this fixed "family" list of 140 entries.
Rules and Interesting Facts About Typhoon Naming
Typhoon names are not generated randomly; they follow strict rules and carry unique cultural significance. According to international conventions, naming must adhere to the following principles:
- Easy to pronounce: Each name contains no more than 9 letters, is easy to pronounce in the respective languages, and does not evoke negative associations.
- Non-commercial: Names of commercial entities or political figures are not used.
- Cultural characteristics: Names provided by each country often reflect its cultural heritage. For instance, names contributed by China are mostly derived from mythology or natural imagery, such as "Wukong," "Yutu" (Jade Rabbit), and "Haitang" (Begonia); Japan often uses constellation names, such as "Hato" (Pigeon) and "Kajiki" (Swordfish); Thailand frequently uses flower names, such as "Mangkhut" (Mangosteen) and "Jasmine."
This diverse naming approach not only facilitates international communication and warning dissemination but also adds a humanistic touch to otherwise dry meteorological data. When a typhoon is permanently retired due to its destructive power, its replacement name usually maintains the original cultural style to ensure the continuity and fairness of the list.
Scientific Defense: Pay Attention to Official Warnings
Understanding typhoon names is just the first step in disaster prevention; mastering scientific response knowledge is more important. According to the National Standard "Tropical Cyclone Grades" issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), tropical cyclones are classified into six categories: tropical depression, tropical storm, severe tropical storm, typhoon, severe typhoon, and super typhoon. The public should closely monitor warning signals issued by meteorological departments.
It is particularly important to note that specific measures such as school suspensions, work stoppages, and transport halts during typhoons may vary by location and are subject to local government announcements. For example, coastal cities and inland cities may have different response mechanisms for different warning levels. When residents receive a Yellow warning or higher, they should reduce outdoor activities, secure windows and doors, and stock up on necessary daily supplies and emergency items. Do not trust online rumors; please follow the unified command of local emergency management departments for all actions.
Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.