Weather Photographer of the Year Finalists Announced, Featuring U.S. Storms
Breathtaking images of meteorological phenomena, including a U.S. supercell thunderstorm and New York City lightning, are among the contenders for the 2026 competition.
The finalists for the Weather Photographer of the Year 2026 competition have been revealed, showcasing dramatic weather events from around the globe. Among the 30 shortlisted images are striking depictions of storms and atmospheric conditions captured in the United States.
Laura Hedien's photograph of a vast, swirling supercell thunderstorm dominating the Great Plains of Oklahoma is a prominent U.S.-based entry. The competition notes that supercells form when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cooler, drier air masses, leading to severe thunderstorms, large hail, and tornadoes, particularly in areas with strong vertical wind shear.
Another notable image from the U.S. is Dan Martland's photograph of three lightning strikes hitting the skyscrapers of New York City. Taken from Bayonne, New Jersey, the image captures a dramatic moment as lightning bolts descend from the clouds. Martland described the strike as unexpected, with his camera's light trigger successfully capturing the event.
The competition, hosted by the Royal Meteorological Society, awards a £1,500 cash prize to the photographer with the best overall image that highlights the 'beauty and power of weather'.
Other featured images include Mat Robinson's double rainbow in the Lake District, Satt Pai Htun's photograph from Taungoo, Myanmar, and Lisa K Kuhn's capture of cloud formations over Mount Shasta. The public is invited to vote for their favorite image from the finalist gallery on the Royal Meteorological Society's website.
The submission deadline for the Weather Photographer of the Year competition is typically in the spring, with finalists usually announced in the fall. This year's competition highlights the diverse and powerful ways weather impacts landscapes and urban environments.