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How are storms named in Denmark?

A shared list for Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

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Short answer

Since 1 January 2026, the weather services of Denmark, Sweden and Norway use one shared list of storm names. In Denmark, DMI names only storms it has warned of with a mean wind of at least 25 m/s. The list runs Anna, Björn, Cecilia, Daniel, Elena, Filip, Gunilla, Hugo, Ida, Johan and on to Ymer, alternating female and male names. If a storm has already been named by another European group, for example the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands, it keeps that name.

Weather and seasons

Why

  1. Norway names storms only at red warning level, and Sweden judges by expected impact.
  2. The names were drawn by lot from Danish, Swedish and Norwegian proposals.
  3. Each name is used only once, and a new list comes when this one runs out.

Details

A storm does not have to hit all three countries to get a name, and the three countries use different criteria.

Tip

When you hear a storm name in the news, check dmi.dk/varsler for what it means for your area.

What may differ

A storm named in the UK can reach Denmark with its British name, even if it is weaker here.

Common misconception

Every windy low over Denmark gets a name.

What actually happens

Denmark names only warned storms with a mean wind of at least 25 m/s, so most windy days pass without a name.

People also ask

  • What counts as a storm in Denmark?
  • What is a stormflod?
  • How do I get weather warnings in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Weather varies a lot from year to year, so check the DMI forecast before you travel.

Weather and seasons
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