Storm Chandra: Who Named the Latest UK Winter Storm? Check Meaning, Origin, and Met Office Warnings

The Met Office has officially warned the UK about Storm Chandra, the newest storm to hit the country. This isn't just another rainy day; it's a big weather event with amber and yellow warnings flashing across the map.

Knowing how these storms work is just as important for safety as it is for science. It's interesting that the storm name ‘Chandra’ isn't just a random choice from a hat; it has a lot of scientific history and public involvement behind it. 

As the winds pick up speed across the Atlantic, let's learn more about who gave Storm Chandra its name and why they did it.

What is Storm Chandra, and Why Was it named?

Storm Chandra is the third named storm of the 2025-26 winter season. According to the Met Office, a storm is named only when it has the potential to cause medium or high impacts, typically characterized by severe wind, rain, or snow.

Authorities find it easier to get safety messages out through social media and news outlets when they give the weather system a human name. 

The choice to give this system a name came after seeing a deep low-pressure area grow stronger over the North Atlantic, causing winds that could reach 70 mph or more along the coast.

Who Named Storm Chandra?

The naming of Storm Chandra is a collaborative effort. The name was officially designated by the Met Office in partnership with Met Éireann (Ireland) and KNMI (the Netherlands). This Western Group of European weather services has been naming storms since 2015 to improve public awareness.

The name Chandra was chosen from a list of storm names that were put together before the season started. This list is unique because it often has suggestions from the public, along with names that honor important people in culture and science.

Do You Know - How do Hurricanes Get Their Names?

The Special Meaning Behind the Name ‘Chandra’

Many names were chosen for the 2025-26 season to honor scientists and safety experts who have made important contributions to their fields. Many people think that Chandra is a tribute to Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, an Indian-American astrophysicist who won the Nobel Prize.

• Scientific Legacy: Chandrasekhar is famous for the "Chandrasekhar Limit," which explains the evolution of stars.

• Cultural Significance: In Sanskrit, 'Chandra' means the Moon.

• Selection: The Met Office often picks names that reflect the diversity and intellectual history of the UK and its global connections. 

Strong winds and heavy rain associated with #StormChandra will bring impacts tonight and tomorrow.

Read our latest news article ⤵️https://t.co/6rxX7Mc2Ha pic.twitter.com/zEWLuzMti2

— Met Office (@metoffice) January 26, 2026

Also Read - List of Retired Hurricane Names by WMO (Updated)

Current Impact: Where is the Storm Hitting in the UK?

According to the latest Met Office bulletins, Storm Chandra is primarily impacting the northern and western sectors of the UK. Travel disruptions have been reported in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the following conditions expected:

• High Winds: Potential power outages and damage to temporary structures.

• Heavy Rain: Risk of localized flooding in areas with already saturated ground.

• Coastal Flooding: Large waves are expected to affect seafronts.

Authorities advise checking the National Rail and local transport updates before heading out, as Life and Property warnings are currently active in high-risk zones.

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Meteorologists are keeping a close eye on Storm Chandra as it moves east and heads out into the North Sea. The storm is a reminder that winter weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. In the Hebrides, gusts have already reached 75 mph.