What are the typhoon names for 2026? What are the rules for naming typhoons?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Typhoon knowledge · 更新 at 2026-08-16
How are typhoon names determined for 2026?
First, it is important to clarify a common misconception: the typhoon naming list is not recreated every year; instead, there is a fixed rotating list. Therefore, there is no unique naming list specifically for "2026". Currently, tropical cyclones in the Northwest Pacific and South China Sea are named using a unified list established by the Typhoon Committee under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
This naming list consists of 140 names, with 10 names contributed by each of the 14 member countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific region. These names are used in sequence on a rotating basis. When a typhoon causes particularly severe disasters or losses, its name is "retired" and replaced by a new name submitted by the original contributing country. Thus, the names for typhoons appearing in 2026 will follow sequentially from the last typhoon name of 2025, selected from the established list of 140 names. Regarding "Typhoon Dolphin" mentioned in searches, it is a fixed name on the list. If it has not been retired previously, it will be reused when the rotation reaches that position. Whether it will appear in 2026 depends on the number and order of typhoon formations that year.
How are typhoon names chosen?
The rules for naming typhoons are designed to facilitate international communication, media dissemination, and public memory. Here are the core naming logic points:
- Diverse Origins: The names feature distinct Asian cultural characteristics. For example, names provided by China often stem from myths, legends, or natural imagery (such as "Wukong," "Yutu," and "Haishen"); Japan often uses constellation names; Thailand uses animal names; and the United States uses personal names.
- Sequential Rotation: All names are arranged according to the English alphabetical order of the contributing countries, forming a closed loop. Whenever a new tropical cyclone reaches tropical storm intensity (maximum average wind speed near the center of force levels 8-9), it is assigned the next name in sequence.
- Retirement Mechanism: If a typhoon causes significant casualties or economic losses, affected countries can propose permanently removing its name. For instance, names like "Mangkhut" and "Haiyan" have been retired due to their massive destructive power and replaced by new names. This ensures the humanitarian concern and historical warning significance of the naming list.
How should residents respond to typhoons?
Understanding the names is only the first step; scientific defense is key. According to the national standard "Tropical Cyclone Grades" issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), corresponding warning signals are issued when the maximum average wind speed near the bottom center of a tropical cyclone reaches certain standards.
- Monitor Warning Levels: Warnings are typically divided into four levels: Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Red, with Red being the highest level.
- Implement Preventive Measures:
- Bring in flower pots and miscellaneous items from balconies, and reinforce doors and windows.
- Reserve necessary food, drinking water, and emergency lighting equipment.
- Avoid going out during typhoons, and stay away from billboards, large trees, and temporary structures.
- Regarding School and Work Suspensions: Regulations on automatic suspension of classes and work under specific warning levels may vary by location. Local standards may differ; please refer to announcements by local governments. Be sure to obtain specific local emergency response guidelines through official channels and do not trust unofficial rumors.
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.