Evening Shower Over the Needles by Jamie Russell (UK).
2024 Third Place Overall.
Ellie Cloud by Kathryn Parent (Canada).
“Evening Shower Over the Needles” by Jamie Russell (UK). 2024 Third Place Overall.
2018 Public Favorite.We were in South Kansas when we saw this fantastic structured storm in the distance.
Were proud of our Royal Charter and for being the only authority worldwide that can awardChartered Meteorologist status.
We’re also leading conversations with government, policy makers, and organizations.
“Ellie Cloud” by Kathryn Parent (Canada). 2018 Public Favorite.“We were in South Kansas when we saw this fantastic structured storm in the distance. When we arrived at the base of the storm, it reminded us of the mammoth character from the movie Ice Age, hence the name “Ellie Cloud.”
Our independence allows us to provide trustworthy, science-based advice, as we arent influenced by politics or profit.
This is particularly important in todays world, where climate science can sometimes become politicized.
Tornado on show by Tim Moxon (UK).
“Tornado on show” by Tim Moxon (UK). 2016 Weather Photographer of the Year.“A slow moving tornado forms in Colorado and is viewed by us and various spectators, all writing their own stories of getting the storm chaser’s prize of a close encounter with a tornado.”
Superstrike by Mike Olbinski (USA).
How does the Weather Photographer of the Year contest help the RMetS meet its goals?
Braving the storm by Lez Irwig (Australia).
“Superstrike” by Mike Olbinski (USA). 2017 Over 17 Weather Photographer of the Year.“In the wee hours of June 3rd, 2015, I captured the most amazing lightning strike of my career.”
2023 Mobile Winner.Would you surf a scene like this?
Photographer Les Irwig captured a surfers contemplation of brooding weather conditions on one of Australias beaches in Sydney.
What changes have you noticed in the winning images over the past 10 years?
“Braving the storm” by Lez Irwig (Australia). 2023 Mobile Winner.“Would you surf a scene like this? Photographer Les Irwig captured a surfer’s contemplation of brooding weather conditions on one of Australia’s beaches in Sydney.”
Storm Eunice by Christopher Ison (UK).
Are there any particular favorite winners you’d like to highlight?
Storm Eunice was a deep area of low pressure that hit the UK in February 2022.
“Storm Eunice” by Christopher Ison (UK). 2022 Weather Photographer of the Year.“After checking the time Storm Eunice would hit as well as the high tides times, Christopher discovered that the storm would hit Newhaven, East Sussex, at almost exactly high tide. When taking his photo, Christopher decided to head to high ground and stand slightly further away from the harbour wall with his back to the weather and was rewarded with a fantastic set of images.”
It was particularly disruptive as it underwent explosive cyclogenesis when a low-pressure system rapidly deepens.
I think the image shows the raw power of nature.
Morning Fog by Giulio Montini (Italy).
“Morning Fog” by Giulio Montini (Italy). 2021 Weather Photographer of the Year.
2021 Weather Photographer of the Year.
(continued)Another one I liked wasMorning Fogby Giulio Montini.
The streaks or beams of sunlight visible in this image are calledcrepuscular rays.
“Forest Fire Boundary” by Tran Tuan (Vietnam). 2023 Overall Runner-up.
Giulio had to be quick to take this photograph as within 20 minutes the scene had completely changed!
Forest Fire Boundary by Tran Tuan (Vietnam).
(continued)An image that has stayed with me isForest Fire Boundaryby Tran Tuan.
“African Dust Over Athens” by Lesley Hellgeth (Greece). 2024 Mobile Runner-up.“You might be forgiven for thinking that the Parthenon has been magically transported to Mars, but this scene is actually much more down to Earth! This image shows the influence of Saharan dust on Athens during April 2023 and is a reminder of the interconnectivity of weather conditions around the world, an aspect that particularly impressed the judges.”
The photo captures the devastation that forest fires cause to the natural world.
This has been linked with fires that can burn longer and spread further.
African Dust Over Athens by Lesley Hellgeth (Greece).
“Frozen Niagara Falls” by Zhenhuan Zhou. 2022 Overall Runner-up.“During spells of cold weather, the mist and spray from Niagara Falls can freeze into ice over the top of the rushing water of the waterfall, giving the appearance that the Falls have frozen whilst the water continues to flow underneath the sheets of ice.However, there are records that the Falls' waters did stop once in March 1848. Strong winds pushed ice from Lake Erie into the mouth of the Niagara River, blocking the channel completely and stopping the water for about 30 hours. The wind then shifted, and the built-up weight of the water broke through the ice, forcing the Niagara River to flow again.”
What are the most urgent climate matters that the public should be aware of?
Climate change has also increased the number and severity of storms and floods.
One of the biggest issues is climate inequality and adaptation.
“Fog Wave” by Hoang Viet Nguyen Phung (Vietnam). 2018 Under 16 Winner.“Da Lat city is full of night dew only some lights and roof.”
Frozen Niagara Falls by Zhenhuan Zhou.
Fog Wave by Hoang Viet Nguyen Phung (Vietnam).
2018 Under 16 Winner.Da Lat city is full of night dew only some lights and roof.
“Lightning from an Isolated Storm over Cannes Bay” by Serge Zaka (France). 2021 Public Favorite.“After driving over 300 miles, waiting for eight hours and a half-night sleeping in the car, Serge finally captured this forecasted thunderstorm on a full-moon night over the famous Bay of Cannes in the south of France.”
This year is a big anniversary for the contest.
How does RMetS plan on celebrating?
Its a global competition, and were deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“Flatiron Building in the Blizzard” by Michael Palazzo (USA). 2017 Over 17 Runner-up.
Thats why we strive for broad representation on our judging panel.
Lightning from an Isolated Storm over Cannes Bay by Serge Zaka (France).
What do the judges look for when narrowing down the competition and selecting the winners?
“Sprite Lightning” by Ben Cherry (UK). 2016 Over 16 Winner.“The image was taken in Punta Banco, a small village on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. I was based out there for six months last year as a scarlet macaw researcher for the Wild Macaw Association. The image shows a very rare type of lightning called a Sprite. The storm was far out at sea during a new moon, so there was very little light and as a result the stars were spectacular! I set up the frame to include the pulsing storm and the milky way as I liked the contrast. Just after I started the 30 second exposure this sprite strike illuminated the sky, shooting up into the atmosphere, my jaw dropped and I assumed that it would have blown out the image but I was thrilled to witness it. But as I checked the camera, the exposure was all correct as the strike was so far out at sea. This is the only sprite lightning strike I have ever witnessed.”
Flatiron Building in the Blizzard by Michael Palazzo (USA).
2017 Over 17 Runner-up.
Sprite Lightning by Ben Cherry (UK).
The image shows a very rare throw in of lightning called a Sprite.
I set up the frame to include the pulsing storm and the milky way as I liked the contrast.
This is the only sprite lightning strike I have ever witnessed.
Any advice for potential contestants on how to select their submissions?
Think about the story that your image is tellingespecially if you are reflecting a big issue like climate change.
But remember that not every winning shot is dramatic.
The beauty of everyday weather has also led to winning shots.
