The intensity of cyclone Nilofar has decreased drastically but it still might cause gusty wind and heavy rainfall in the coastal areas of Pakistan.

The cyclone that started developing in the northwest Arabian Sea five to seven days ago attracted a lot of attention because of its feminine name and it seems the trend will continue for the next cyclones. 


As part of the WMO body, each country is asked to give eight names for the cyclones in the future. These names are then given to the storms, as they hit shores, from six alphabetically arranged lists on rotation. Interestingly enough, all names except one submitted by Pakistan, are feminine names like Nargis, Vardah, Nilam, Bulbul, Titli and the current one Nilofar.

According to World Meteorological Department, the next storm would be named ‘Priya’ by Sri lanka.

Click here to read what other names Pakistan has suggested.

Pakistan’s Meteorological Department says that the name Nilofar for the cyclone was suggested by Pakistan as part of the World Meteorological Organizations (WMO) body for North Indian Ocean/Arabian Ocean. Other member countries of the body are Oman, Srilanka, India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar and Thailand.

“For the future, Oman has named cyclones as Nada, Luban and Maha,” an official of the Meteorological Department said.

What do you think about naming calling cyclones with female names? Share your opinion with us in the comments below.