The Royal Meteorological Society has chosen this year’s winners of the Weather Photographer of the Year, its annual competition in partnership with AccuWeather. Christopher Ison of West Sussex, UK bagged the top prize for his powerful “Storm Eunice” photo, which he shot in with a Canon EOS R5 and a 300mm lens with 1.4x converter.

Ison’s dramatic snap of huge waves crashing on the coast of Newhaven in East Sussex, UK due to the storm bested 22 entries shortlisted from 119 countries. According to the winner announcement, the judges were impressed at how the photo showcases the power of nature. It aptly served as the highlight of this year’s competition, which celebrates the masterful weather and climate imagery by talented photographers across the globe.

Huge waves rise from the sea at Newhaven during Storm Eunice. The south coast of the UK received its first ever red weather warning due to the approaching storm, Several people died under falling trees and winds reached 122 mph at the Isle of Wight. Photo by Christopher Ison.

“When the storm was predicted, and it was carrying the first ever red warning for the south coast, I knew I had to find a spot to record it — this was going to be big! I got there reasonably early to find many photographers already drenched in rain and seawater, standing very close to the harbour wall. I decided to head to high ground and slightly further away with my back to the weather. I was rewarded with a set of images I’m very proud of,” Ison shared of his winning photo.

Meanwhile, Zhenhuan Zhou of Toronto, Canada grabbed the second place for his “Frozen” photo of ice-covered Niagara Falls. Emili Vilamala Benito of Barcelona, Spain took the third place for “Ghost Under the Cliff,” an amazing capture of the Brocken Spectre phenomenon on the cliff of Tavertet in Barcelona.

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. Photo by Zhenhuan Zhou.
On the cliff of Tavertet in Barcelona, Spain, with the sun low behind and the valley of Sau covered with fog, Emili waited until a Brocken Spectre appeared. “In this geographical area, you can see these phenomena due to morning fog, and when it fades, it is possible to see this spectacular optical phenomenon.” Photo by Emili Vilamala Benito.

Other noteworthy photographers who bagged major prizes and titles in the competition are:

  • Young Weather Photographer of the Year 2022: Eris Pil, “Mammatus Sunset”
  • Mobile Winner, Weather Photographer of the Year 2022: Aung Chan That, “Sunset”
  • Public Favorite: Jamie Russell, “Departing Storm Over Bembridge Lifeboat Station”
Eris Pil, Pittsburgh, PA. Young Weather Photographer of the Year 2022. “Mammatus Sunset.”
Aung Chan Thar, Hpa-an, Myanmar. Mobile Winner, Weather Photographer of the Year 2022. “Sunset.”
Jamie Russell, Shanklin, UK. Public Favorite. “Departing Storm Over Bembridge Lifeboat Station.”

Apart from cash prizes, media packs and other perks, all winners will also receive a free one-year membership to the Royal Meteorological Society.

Check out the official announcement on the Royal Meteorological Society to learn more about the winners and finalists, and their impressive photos.

Photos courtesy of the Royal Meteorological Society