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Ominous skies, frost-laden landscapes, and the interplay of seasons. The victors of this year’s Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year Competition highlight the breathtaking yet unpredictable nature of our planet.
Gerson Turelly was awarded the inaugural Standard Chartered Climate Award for his remarkable work that illustrates the relationship between weather phenomena and their broader implications on climate change. His striking photograph captures a kayaker navigating through flooded streets in Porto Alegre, Brazil, following severe flooding that struck last spring.
Climate Award
This powerful image depicts Porto Alegre during the catastrophic floods in Rio Grande do Sul in Spring 2024. A young man is seen paddling his kayak down what used to be a road as he heads towards areas most affected to assist those stranded.
Credit: Gerson Turelly
The Royal Meteorological Society revealed this year’s winners after careful selection by an expert panel comprising professionals from meteorology, photography, and journalism. This year’s competition attracted submissions from photographers across 84 nations.
“I am thrilled by the diversity and caliber of this year’s winning images which provide an insightful glimpse into global weather patterns and climate dynamics,” remarked Liz Bentley, judge and Chief Executive of the Royal Meteorological Society. “From African dust clouds affecting Athens to serene weather over volcanic landscapes; from sudden local showers to escalating rainfall leading to floods worldwide—these photographs remind us that climate change is influencing weather systems globally. It underscores our collective responsibility to take immediate action against further temperature increases.”
Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year 2024
As thunderstorms raged around Shanghai, Xin ventured into Chongming District where they captured this extraordinary moment featuring rare sprites lighting up their surroundings.
Credit: Wang Xin
Smartphone Third Place
Peter captured this stunning full circular rainbow while braving turbulence during landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Judges praised how it embodies smartphone photography’s spontaneity as it appeared for just a fleeting moment.
Credit: Peter Reinold
