The practice of naming typhoons with human names has a rich history, shaped by contributions from early meteorologists and the practical need for clearer communication. This system evolved over time, with local variations reflecting regional cultures. The Philippines, in particular, has its own unique system of naming typhoons, playing a crucial role in disaster preparedness.
Clement Wragge: The Pioneer of Naming Storms
Clement Lindley Wragge, an English meteorologist working in Australia in the late 19th century, was the first to systematically name storms. Starting in the 1890s, Wragge assigned names to tropical cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere, initially using Greek and Roman mythological figures. However, with his eccentric personality, Wragge later began naming storms after politicians who irritated him (Collis, 1997).
Wragge’s innovation made it easier for the public to follow weather patterns, but after his retirement in 1903, the practice fell into disuse. It wasn’t until decades later that the idea of naming storms resurfaced, this time in the Pacific during World War II.
The Revival of Storm Naming During World War II
During World War II, meteorologists in the U.S. military stationed in the Pacific Ocean began informally naming typhoons after their wives and girlfriends. This informal system was highly effective in simplifying storm communications among military and civilian personnel. By 1950, the U.S. Weather Bureau (now the National Weather Service) adopted the practice of naming storms in the Atlantic, and by 1953, it became standard practice in the Pacific (Simpson & Riehl, 1981).
The Philippines’ Unique Typhoon Naming System
The Philippines, which experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually, has developed its own naming system through the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). This system was introduced in 1963 to ensure that storms affecting the country would have names familiar to the local population, making warnings more effective and relatable (PAGASA, n.d.).
PAGASA maintains a rotating set of four lists, each containing 25 names, which are used in four-year cycles. These names often reflect Filipino culture and language. In cases where a storm causes significant destruction or loss of life, PAGASA retires the name from the list, replacing it with a new one. For example, Typhoon Yolanda, known internationally as Haiyan, was retired after it became one of the most devastating storms in Philippine history (Cruz, 2020).
Though PAGASA uses its own names, typhoons that pass through the Philippines also carry their international names assigned by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This dual-naming system helps both local and international communities track storms effectively.
Gender Equality and Global Naming Practices
Globally, typhoon naming practices faced scrutiny in the 1970s when feminist groups objected to the use of only female names for storms. This criticism argued that associating destructive natural phenomena solely with women reinforced sexist stereotypes. As a result, the WMO introduced male names into the rotation in 1979. Typhoon Brian became the first male-named typhoon in the Pacific, representing a more balanced system (Simpson & Riehl, 1981).
Practicality of Naming Typhoons
The primary goal of naming typhoons and other tropical cyclones is to improve communication, making it easier for the public to remember storm warnings and take appropriate action. By using familiar names, both PAGASA and the WMO help ensure that typhoon warnings are clear, localized, and accessible to the general population. This is especially important in disaster preparedness and response, where clarity can save lives (PAGASA, n.d.).
The practice of naming typhoons with human names evolved from Clement Wragge’s innovative ideas in the 1890s to a globally coordinated system driven by the need for effective communication. In the Philippines, PAGASA’s unique naming system ensures that storm warnings resonate with local communities. By combining both local and international names, storm tracking and awareness have become more accessible, enhancing public safety during times of natural disaster.
References
- Collis, B. (1997). Weather Watchers: 100 Years of the Bureau of Meteorology. Bureau of Meteorology Publishing.
- Cruz, J. M. (2020). “Why We Name Typhoons and How PAGASA Does It.” Rappler.
- PAGASA, DOST. “How We Name Typhoons in the Philippines.”
- Simpson, R. H., & Riehl, H. (1981). The Hurricane and Its Impact. Louisiana State University Press.
- World Meteorological Organization. “Tropical Cyclone Naming.”
