Incredible dance of red sprites wins Weather Photographer of the Year 2024

Weather conditions can be absolutely insane and devastating, as we’ve seen from a recent hurricane in Florida, floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the most recent flash floods in Valencia. However, they can also be magical, creating prize-worthy photographic opportunities.

Celebrating the beauty and power of nature, The Royal Meteorological Society has announced the winners of the 2024 Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year competition. As always, it will remind you how equally magnificent and scary the world around us is.

This year’s competition attracted entries from 84 countries with a diverse range of captivating images. The judges consisted of experts in meteorology, photography, and journalism. From 25 finalists, they selected the winners based on their artistic merit, technical skill, and ability to convey the impact of weather on our lives.

Wang Xin from Shanghai, China, claimed the top prize with his stunning photograph, Sprites Dancing in the Dark Night. This mesmerizing image captures sprites, a rare and elusive atmospheric phenomenon, dancing across the night sky above a thunderstorm. The judges were impressed by the extent and number of sprites visible in the photograph, making it a truly extraordinary sight.

Andy Gray from Matlock, UK, secured the runner-up position with his breathtaking photo Hoarfrost Heaven. This image showcases a picturesque winter scene, with the Derwent Valley blanketed in a delicate layer of hoarfrost. The judges praised the photograph’s stunning colors, intricate details, and the sense of depth created by the layered landscape.

The contest reflects on the pressing issue of climate change. Professor Liz Bentley, Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, commented:

“I’m delighted with the variety and quality of this year’s winning photographs which show a real window into the world’s weather and climate, in both its regional differences and its interconnectivity. From African dust impacting on Athens to tranquil weather over volcanoes, from a sudden local downpour to increased intense rainfall and flooding around the world, we are reminded that climate change is impacting on weather patterns everywhere, and that the global community needs to come together to act now and curb any further temperature rise.”

We bring you the category winners and runner-ups below. Make sure to visit the Royal Meteorological Society website to learn more about the competition.

More from Weather Photographer of the Year

• Winning photo of Weather Photographer of the Year 2021 reminds us why fog is so magical
• Surreal image of lava-illuminated cloud wins 2023 Weather Photographer of the Year
• Incredible dance of red sprites wins Weather Photographer of the Year 2024

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