Iowa Winter Inbound: The Weather Channel Names 2025–26 Storms

Ahh, fall in Iowa. It's hot... warm... cold. All over the place, right?

Well, a sure sign of the seasons changing is here, thanks to the Weather Channel.

Winter is coming... cue the Game of Thrones meme... The Weather Channel has revealed the names that could soon dominate forecasts across the country.

Why Do We Name Winter Storms?

The network announced its official list of 2025–26 winter storm names, continuing a tradition that began more than a decade ago.

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According to The Weather Channel, naming winter storms helps meteorologists, viewers, and local communities clearly distinguish between different systems as they form throughout the season.

READ MORE: Visit These Cozy Cabins This Winter

Regarding storm names, Dr. Matt Sitkowski, Science Editor in Chief at The Weather Channel, said,

Assigning names to these systems makes them easier to identify, track, and communicate, helping people stay ahead of the weather and make informed decisions

The network’s naming system began during the 2012–2013 winter season, and since then, more than 280 storms have received names.

The 2025–26 season will mark the second year that The Weather Channel’s named winter storms align with the National Weather Service’s Key Messages, creating a unified approach to communicating storm hazards.

2025–26 Winter Storm Names

• Alston
• Bellamy
• Chan
• Devin
• Ezra
• Fern
• Gianna
• Hernando
• Iona
• Joseline
• Kadence
• Louise
• Maizie
• Nell
• Obie
• Peyton
• Quigley
• Rodrigo
• Santiago
• Tyrese
• Ulma
• Viviana
• Wolfgang
• Ximena
• Yashi
• Zeb

How the Names Are Selected

The Weather Channel’s naming process is overseen by a committee of meteorologists who evaluate storm systems to determine when they meet the criteria for naming.

READ MORE: See Our Winter Record Lows in Iowa

The goal is simple: make it easier for the public to follow developing weather events, stay informed, and prepare before the snow begins to fall.