Dancing sprites, circular rainbows and turbulent skies: winners announced for Weather Photographer of the Year 2024

A downpour over the Needles and a stunning ice halo are among this year’s winners in the Weather Photographer of the Year competition.

Published: Thursday, 31 October 2024 at 20:25 PM

The winners of the Weather Photographer of the Year 2024 have been announced, with four of the powerful winning images captured in the UK.

The Royal Meteorological Society has announced the winners of this year’s Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year Competition.

Among the impressive winner’s gallery is a glorious rainbow arcing over the Isle of Wight (pictured above); a Saharan dust storm; a stunning ice halo; and a sublime Derwent Valley landscape blanketed in hoarfrost.

The overall winning image of the competition is ‘Sprites Dancing in the Dark Night’ (pictured below) captured by Wang Xin of Shanghai, China. The image was taken during multiple thunderstorms that raged around Shanghai. A “faint red figure” flashed in the photographer’s eyes and the remarkable image was captured. The judges commented that it is rare to see an image with this extent and number of sprites – a fleeting weather phenomenon that is little understood.

As well as showcasing an array of breathtaking imagery, the winner’s gallery also provides insights into the science behind the weather phenomena and the stories behind the images, including the techniques used to capture them.

Countryfile Calendar competition 2024: view the winning and shortlisted images

Now in its ninth year, Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year provides an international platform to raise awareness of environmental issues that put our planet at risk – including heatwaves, cyclones, and extreme flooding – while also depicting the awe-inspiring beauty and power of the weather.

Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer at Standard Chartered, commented: “The winning images in this year’s competition tell a powerful story about our planet and the extraordinary force of extreme weather events. Many of the images draw urgent attention to the impact of our changing climate on communities and biodiverse habitats around the world.”

Weather Photographer of the Year 2024 winners gallery

Winner: ‘Sprites Dancing in the Dark Night’ by Xin Wang

Much like the ethereal, fairy-like sprites of folklore, red sprite lightning is particularly difficult to see or photograph. Photo location: Shanghai, China Credit: Xin Wang

Runner up: ‘Hoarfrost Heaven’ by Andy Gray

Weather Photographer of the Year Award 2024 shortlist — This image shows “a spectacular display of hoar frost over the Derwent Valley”. The judging panel loved the colours and light in this photo, as well as the sense of layers provided by the rolling hills, the different types of trees and the thin layers of mist. As one judge put it: “The more you stare at it, the more you see.” Credit: Andy Gray

Third place: ‘Evening Shower Over the Needles’ by Jamie Russell

Weather Photographer of the Year 2024 — “Some large showers started developing 20 miles or so to our north-northwest. Realising they could cross The Needles with rainbow potential, we jumped in our rib at Colwell Bay and positioned ourselves with the camera. However, the composition was awkward, and the choppy sea was a challenge, so I sent up the drone, knowing the view would likely be a lot more impressive.” Jamie Russell’s instinct certainly paid off as he managed to capture two British icons: the white chalk stacks of The Needles and a downpour! To top this image off, the Isle of Wight is perfectly crowned with a rainbow. Credit: Jamie Russell

Smartphone Weather Photographer of the Year Winner: ‘Volcanoes’ by Nur Syaireen Natasya Binti Azaharin

Smartphone Weather Photographer of the Year, 2nd place: ‘African Dust Over Athens’ by Lesley Hellgeth

Weather Photographer of Year 2024 — 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. Credit: Lesley Hellgeth

Smartphone Weather Photographer of the Year, 3rd place: ‘Circular Rainbow’ by Peter Reinold

Photographer Peter Reinold held his camera phone steady through a turbulent landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to capture this complete circular rainbow: “I always pick the window seat on planes, as you never know what you [might] encounter. It paid off this time.” Credit: Peter Reinold

Standard Chartered Climate Award Winner: ‘Rowing’ by Gerson Turelly

You can see the full winner’s gallery on the Royal Meteorological Society website.

Fancy entering some photography competitions? You can take great photos without specialist equipment as many of the best wildlife photos can be snapped on your smartphone. Alternatively, why not hone your photography skills by taking part in a photography course?