The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) assigns local names to all tropical cyclones that enter or form within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). These names are drawn from a rotating system of four sets, each containing 25 names arranged alphabetically.
New Names for 2026
For the year 2026, PAGASA has announced the regular and auxiliary lists of names that will be used to identify incoming storms. The regular sets are used in cycles, with the current sets also slated for use in 2030, 2034, and 2038, unless names are retired.
Four new names will be introduced in 2026: Ada, Francisco, Kiyapo, and Pilandok. These names replace those retired following the 2022 storm season. Specifically, Ada replaces Agaton (Megi), Francisco replaces Florita (Ma-on), Kiyapo replaces Karding (Noru), and Pilandok replaces Paeng (Nalgae).
Name Retirement Process
A tropical cyclone’s name is retired when it causes at least 300 deaths and/or at least P1 billion in damage to agriculture and infrastructure. The retired name is then replaced with another name beginning with the same letter.
It is important to note that international names for tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific and South China Sea are assigned by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center Tokyo-Typhoon Center, operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The Philippines contributes to the list of international names, which are assigned to cyclones that reach at least tropical storm category. Tropical depressions within PAR are assigned local names, even if they do not receive international designations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sets of names does PAGASA use?
PAGASA alternately uses four regular sets of local names, each with 25 names arranged alphabetically. There is also a corresponding auxiliary set of 10 names for each regular set.
When will the 2026 lists be used again?
Generally, the sets of names used for 2026 will also be used in 2030, 2034, and 2038, unless names are retired due to the impact of a particular storm.
What determines if a storm name is retired?
A tropical cyclone’s name will be retired if it causes at least 300 deaths and/or P1 billion worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
How might the increasing frequency and intensity of typhoons impact the longevity of these naming lists?
