Picture this: a breathtaking, full-circle rainbow stretching across the sky like a cosmic halo, a phenomenon so elusive that it feels almost mythical. But here's where it gets controversial – in a world where climate change is reshaping our weather patterns, do these stunning images remind us of nature's beauty, or serve as a stark warning of its fragility? Dive in as we explore the winners of the Weather Photographer of the Year Contest, and you might just see the skies in a whole new light.
The Royal Meteorological Society has just unveiled the champions of their annual Weather Photographer of the Year Competition, now celebrating its 10th edition. Backed by the financial powerhouse Standard Chartered, this event drew in an incredible array of over 4,000 submissions from photographers spanning the globe – amateurs and professionals alike, hailing from 84 different countries. A distinguished international jury, comprising specialists in meteorology, climate science, photography, and journalism, meticulously selected the top shots, emphasizing the raw power and elegance of our planet's atmospheric displays.
Professor Liz Bentley, the esteemed Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, couldn't contain her enthusiasm. 'Heartfelt congratulations to every winner and finalist – the quality of entries this year was absolutely phenomenal,' she shared. 'These photographs brilliantly capture the weather and climate in all their majestic splendor and ferocious might.'
Taking home the grand prize were two talented photographers from China, whose image of a flawless, complete circular rainbow left everyone spellbound. Engineer and astronomy enthusiast Geshuang Chen described the moment: 'It was a light drizzle over Lugu Lake in Yunnan Province. I piloted my drone up to 500 meters, maneuvering through the rain veil with the lens turned away from the sun, and voilà – I secured the full arc.'
Now, rainbows are something most of us have spotted on a rainy day, but a true, unbroken circle is a rarity. From our usual ground-level view, the bottom portion dips below the horizon. Yet, when you're elevated, with the sun at your back and precipitation in front, the entire spectrum reveals itself. But here's the part most people miss – understanding how a rainbow actually materializes makes it even more magical. Sunlight penetrates raindrops, bending or refracting as it enters, then bounces off the droplet's inner surface before refracting again on its way out. This creates a vibrant arc of colors arching around the 'antisolar point' – the imaginary spot exactly opposite the sun from your viewpoint. Since every person's perspective shifts the light's angle ever so slightly, each rainbow is uniquely yours. And this photo? It's not just a scarce glimpse of a full circle; it's a perfect cosmic alignment, with a tiny island nestled right at the center, framing the scene like a masterpiece.
In the main category's runner-up spot, Jadwiga Piasecka earned acclaim for her shot captured from a safe, sheltered spot during Storm Eunice in Newhaven, along England's southern coastline, where gusts roared over 80 miles per hour. 'From my protected perch, I observed massive waves crashing against the seawall, hurling spectacular plumes of water skyward... truly illustrating the storm's colossal rage,' she recounted. 'I've adored powerful seas and tempests ever since childhood – the ocean's strength and vitality have always captivated me. So when Eunice arrived, I seized the chance to experience it up close.'
Third place, and the fan favorite based on public votes, went to Lukáš Gallo, who spotted a mesmerizing formation of Kelvin-Helmholtz wave clouds while driving near Vodňany in South Bohemia, Czechia. He swiftly parked, snatched his camera, and snapped the fleeting spectacle from a roadside meadow. 'No planning involved; it happened in an instant. But that's what makes for the best shots,' he noted. These uncommon 'wave' or fluctus clouds emerge when a stark contrast in wind speed or direction separates two air layers, much like how breezes create ripples on the water's surface. The outcome? A dazzling sequence of cloud loops mimicking crashing sea waves, plus a clear signal of upcoming turbulence. Against the tranquil backdrop of rolling countryside dotted with cylindrical hay bales in lush fields, these turbulent swirls appear even more surreal, as if Mother Nature is playfully performing above an ordinary rural setting.
The mobile category's victor was claimed by a photographer venturing to Myanmar's Inle Lake, whose image evokes the sheer urgency of an abrupt downpour. Amid the chaos, two fishermen hustle: one propelling the boat through the murky depths, the other scooping out the accumulating water. Their vibrant orange and blue attire pops against the scene, matching the bold rain streaks slashing across the picture. The blurring motion of both the men and the falling drops immerses the viewer right into the tropical squall's intensity, with rain cascading in torrents and splashing onto the lake's surface as the boat takes on water.
SHARE These Brilliant Shots With Your Friends On Love Nature Photography...
What do you think – do these weather wonders inspire awe, or do they highlight the growing unpredictability of our climate? And here's a controversial twist: in an era of extreme weather events possibly linked to human activity, could photography like this be seen as glorifying nature's fury rather than calling for action? We'd love to hear your thoughts – agree, disagree, or share your own weather photography stories in the comments below!
