Explained: How IMD names a cyclone? Importance, criteria, format, history, other key details ​

The practice of naming cyclones was started to help in quick identification of storms in warning messages. It is worth noting that names are far easier to remember than numbers and technical terms. So, assigning names to storms increases community preparedness, heightens interest in warnings and makes it easier for the media to report on tropical cyclones.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) follows a specific naming convention for cyclones that form over the North Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

Due to the approaching Cyclone Biparjoy, there is a renewed interest in how IMD names cyclones. Let us take a look at the history, criteria and importance of naming cyclones.

History of naming cyclones

In the mid-1900s, the practice of using feminine names for storms began. Subsequently, meteorologists decided to identify storms using names from a list arranged alphabetically. 

In 2000, the member nations of WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organisation/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) agreed in principle to assign names to the tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. This decision was taken at the twenty-seventh session of the group, which was held in 2000 in Muscat.

This group includes India, Qatar, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) name every cyclone that is formed across the world. India’s weather agency is one of the six RSMCs in the world. As an RSMC, the IMD names the cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean after considering the suggestions of 12 other countries in the region. Each of the 13 countries in WMO/ESCAP has sent 13 suggestions for cyclone names. This list of 169 cyclone names is finalized by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.

Criteria of naming a cyclone

Countries need to follow some rules while suggesting names for cyclones. If these guidelines are followed, the name is accepted by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.

1.      The cyclone name should be neutral to politics and political figures, cultures, religious beliefs and gender

2.      The cyclone name should not hurt the sentiments of any group or community

3.      The name should not be rude in nature

4.      The name should be short and easy to pronounce

5.      The maximum length of the name will be eight letters

6.      Countries will have to provide their proposed name with its pronunciation and voice over

7.      The names of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean shall not be repeated.

Importance of naming a cyclone

The use of short, distinctive names for cyclones makes it easier for the general public as well as the scientific community to tackle these tropical storms. With a name, the media and disaster management authorities are able to easily identify individual cyclones and create awareness of its development. A specific name also helps in disseminating warnings for increased community preparedness.