The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has said there are no immediate plans to name heatwaves.

Some people hold the opinion that the international and regional naming conventions used to support risk management of various storm types, including tropical cyclones, could have a similar impact on heatwaves. However, the WMO warns that what has been established for tropical cyclone events may not always translate well to heatwave events.

Due to significant differences in the physical makeup and effects of storms and heatwaves, WMO advised caution when comparing or applying lessons or methods from one hazard type to another.

"Caution should be exercised when comparing or applying lessons or protocols from one hazard type to another, due to the important differences in the physical nature and impacts of storms and heatwaves," WMO said in a statement.

The WMO is aware that systems for ranking and naming heatwaves are now being developed. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has a leadership role in organizing internationally acknowledged extreme weather naming standards as the UN specialized organization in charge of the weather, climate, and water.

Therefore, the WMO Services Commission is now considering the benefits and drawbacks of designating heatwaves.

"There is currently no agreed international system or protocol for naming or coordinating the naming of heatwave events."

At the moment, there isn't a universally accepted system or protocol for coordinating the naming of heatwave occurrences.

The World Meteorological Organization and its Members place a high focus on providing accurate forecasts and early warnings in order to save lives. Improvements in Heat-Health Early Warnings and Heat Action Plans, supported by strong partnerships across the meteorological, health, disaster management, and scientific communities, are a particularly successful example of this in recent years.