In a vibrant celebration of nature’s beauty, the Royal Meteorological Society has unveiled the winners of this year’s Weather Photographer of the Year Competition. This delightful contest inspires photographers worldwide to capture the breathtaking and often dramatic aspects of weather, highlighting the wonders of our planet.

The much-anticipated results came after a meticulous selection from over 4,000 entries submitted by talented photographers from 84 countries. The esteemed international panel of judges, comprising experts in photography, climate, and journalism, were thoroughly impressed by the high caliber of images showcased this year.

Leading the pack was a stunning photograph taken by a duo of talented individuals from China. They managed to capture a rare sight—a complete circular rainbow—over Lugu Lake in Yunnan Province. As engineer and astronomy enthusiast Geshuang Chen explained, the moment unfolded during a light drizzle, necessitating a daring drone flight through the rain curtain. At an altitude of 500 meters, he turned his camera away from the sun and captured the extraordinary view this unique weather phenomenon offered.

Rainbows are magical in themselves, but a full-circle rainbow is a rare gem. From the ground, we typically see only part of the circle, with the rest hidden below the horizon. Thanks to the clever positioning of the sun behind the raindrops, this image showcases the entire arc, with a serene island perfectly placed at its center—a moment that felt almost like nature’s artwork.

The runner-up in the main category, Jadwiga Piasecka, delivered a striking image that captures the ferocity of Storm Eunice from Newhaven on the south coast of the UK. Positioned in a sheltered spot away from the storm’s wrath, she witnessed towering waves crashing against the sea wall, sending sprays high into the air, demonstrating the raw power of nature.

With a lifelong fascination for storms, Jadwiga could not resist the opportunity to experience Storm Eunice firsthand. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “The power and energy of the sea have always fascinated me.” Her passion shines through in the dynamic shot, conveying the storm’s dramatic intensity.

Another remarkable winner, photographer Lukáš Gallo, snagged third place and the public vote for his breathtaking image of Kelvin-Helmholtz wave clouds over South Bohemia in Czechia. While driving, he noticed the clouds shifting dramatically overhead, reminiscent of ocean waves. Without hesitation, he pulled over, capturing the fleeting beauty of this rare meteorological phenomenon.

These unique clouds occur when there’s a sharp difference in wind speeds between layers of air, creating stunning, wave-like formations across the sky. Set against the idyllic rural backdrop, the clouds appear as if nature is showcasing its artistry, leaving viewers in awe.

In yet another remarkable entry, Kyaw Zay Yar Lin won the mobile category with his stunning shot of fishermen braving a sudden downpour at Inle Lake, Myanmar. The urgency in the fishermen’s actions—one energetically paddling while the other bails water from their boat—captures the lively spirit of the tropical storm. The vibrant colors of their clothing contrast starkly with the nature around them, making the scene even more striking.

The dynamic composition of the image, accentuated by the heavy raindrops and motion blur, fully immerses the viewer in the scene, creating a shared experience of the moment’s intensity. It’s a perfect example of how quickly a serene landscape can shift in the face of nature’s fury.

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