Prepare to be amazed as we dive into the captivating world of weather photography! The Royal Meteorological Society has unveiled the winners of its prestigious Weather Photographer of the Year Competition, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
This year's competition, sponsored by Standard Chartered, marked its 10th anniversary, and the entries did not disappoint. With over 4,000 submissions from amateur and professional photographers across 84 countries, the judges had their work cut out for them. But the winners, chosen by a panel of experts in weather, climate, photography, and journalism, truly showcase the beauty and intensity of our planet's atmospheric phenomena.
The Grand Prize: A Rainbow's Full Circle
Our grand prize winners, a duo of photographers from China, have captured a sight that is both rare and breathtaking - a complete circular rainbow. Engineer and astronomy photographer Geshuang Chen explains the process: "It was drizzling on Lugu Lake. I flew my drone to a height of 500 meters, passed through the rain curtain, with my lens facing away from the Sun, and there it was - a perfect circular rainbow."
Full-circle rainbows are a treat for the eyes, as they are usually hidden from view on the ground. But from high above, with the Sun behind and rainfall ahead, the entire circle becomes visible. Rainbows form through the magic of refraction and reflection as sunlight enters raindrops, creating a spectrum of colors that surround the antisolar point. Each rainbow is unique to the observer, as the angle of light differs for every person.
But here's where it gets controversial...
This particular image is not just a rare sight of a complete rainbow. It's a moment of perfect alignment, with a small island framed precisely at its center. Does this add an extra layer of beauty or detract from the natural wonder? You decide!
Runner-Up: Battling the Fury of Storm Eunice
In the main category, the runner-up spot goes to Jadwiga Piasecka for her powerful image captured during Storm Eunice on the UK's south coast. From a sheltered vantage point in Newhaven, Piasecka witnessed enormous waves crashing against the sea wall, creating dramatic sprays of water that highlighted the storm's immense power.
Piasecka's love for big waves and storms since childhood drove her to capture this moment firsthand. "The power and energy of the sea have always fascinated me," she wrote. "When Storm Eunice arrived, I knew I had to be there."
And this is the part most people miss...
While driving near Vodňany in South Bohemia, Czechia, photographer Lukáš Gallo spotted a unique phenomenon - Kelvin-Helmholtz wave clouds. These rare 'wave' or fluctus clouds form when there's a sharp difference in wind speed or direction between two air layers, similar to how wind creates waves on the sea's surface. The result? A stunning display of cloud curls that resemble breaking ocean waves, serving as a visual warning of turbulence.
Gallo's image, captured from a roadside field, showcases these dramatic waves against a peaceful rural landscape with round hay bales dotting green fields. It's a moment when nature puts on a show above an everyday scene, leaving viewers in awe.
The Mobile Category: A Tropical Storm's Intensity
The mobile category winner takes us to Inle Lake in Myanmar, where a photographer has captured the urgency of a sudden downpour. Two fishermen work swiftly, one paddling through dark water while the other bails it out of the boat. Their bright orange and blue clothes stand out vividly against the heavy raindrops streaking across the frame.
The motion blur of the fishermen and the rain creates a sense of being right there in the moment, caught in the sudden intensity of a tropical storm. Raindrops fall in sheets, splashing against the murky lake below as the boat fills with water.
So, what do you think?
These brilliant shots showcase the beauty and power of nature's atmospheric displays. Which image speaks to you the most? Do you find these photographs inspiring, or do they make you appreciate the calmness of a storm-free day? Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments below! We'd love to hear your unique perspectives on these captivating weather photographs.
