POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 26, 2026Miami-Dade

National Hurricane Center clarifies naming process for upcoming Atlantic tropical storm

The next Atlantic tropical storm will be named 'Dolly' based on established World Meteorological Organization naming lists, not in reference to the late Dolly Parton. The name is assigned if a developing weather system off the coast of Africa reaches sustained wind speeds of at least 63 km/h (39 mph).

weatherhurricanesmeteorologyemergency management
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed

Why It Matters

Residents in hurricane-prone regions rely on standardized storm naming to receive clear, consistent emergency warnings and track weather threats.

Key Facts

  • The next Atlantic tropical storm will be named 'Dolly' according to the World Meteorological Organization's rotating list.
  • A system must reach sustained wind speeds of at least 63 km/h (39 mph) to be classified as a named tropical storm.
  • Storm names are reused on a six-year cycle.
  • NOAA forecasts a below-average Atlantic hurricane season due to El Niño.
  • The 2025 season forecast includes 8 to 14 named storms.
  • Of the predicted storms, 3 to 6 may reach hurricane strength, and 1 to 3 may become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
  • The name 'Melissa' was retired from the 2025 list following a Category 5 hurricane that caused significant damage in the Caribbean.
  • Storm names are chosen to be short, easy to pronounce, and familiar to the regions where they are used.

Who's Mentioned

organizationNOAA“Forecasts hurricane season activity.”personDolly Parton“The storm name 'Dolly' is coincidental to her passing.”organizationNational Hurricane Center“Monitors weather systems and issues warnings.”organizationWorld Meteorological Organization“Responsible for the storm naming procedures.”