Every hurricane has a name, yet few people know that these names are not chosen randomly. They are predetermined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) according to a precise system designed to facilitate communication and early warnings. Once wind speeds exceed 63 km/h, the weather system is classified as a 'tropical storm' and is given an official name, which is then used by the media and the public. The WMO explains that each region of the world has its own list of hurricane names, carefully prepared to respect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the affected countries. Since 1979, a system of alternating male and female names has been used to ensure balance in naming. The same lists are recycled every six years, but some names are permanently retired after causing devastating disasters, such as hurricanes Katrina (2005) and Haiyan (2013), as a mark of respect for the victims of these tragic events. Despite hurricanes varying in intensity and path, their naming process stands as a testament to a precise international coordination that blends science, culture, and humanitarian respect.
