Vote for the Finalists of the 2025 Weather Photographer of the Year
“Sky surfing” by Lukáš Gallo
While traveling close to Vodňany in South Bohemia, Czechia, photographer Lukáš Gallo spotted some peculiar clouds starting to develop. He continued driving, observing the transformation of the sky, until around 30 minutes later, a breathtaking arrangement of Kelvin-Helmholtz wave clouds emerged above. He swiftly pulled over, took his camera, and seized the fleeting spectacle from a roadside field. “I didn’t plan this; it was spontaneous. But I believe that’s the finest type of photograph,” he states.
These unusual ‘wave’, or fluctus, clouds occur when there’s a stark contrast in wind speed or direction between two layers of air, similar to how wind can create waves on the sea’s surface. The outcome is a stunning sequence of cloud curls resembling breaking ocean waves, along with a clear visual alert of turbulence.
For the last decade, the UK’s Royal Meteorological Society has been highlighting the remarkable beauty of weather through its Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year contest. And reviewing this year’s shortlist, 2025 is no different from the high quality of submissions the contest is renowned for. Whether capturing rare cloud formations or forceful storm waves, the contest has showcased the finest in photographers.
Until October 16, the public may vote for their favorite among the 25 shortlisted images. Whether taken with professional cameras, smartphones, or drones, each photo represents a glimpse of what’s occurring in a world increasingly characterized by extreme weather. Chosen from over 4,000 entries, judges acknowledged these outstanding images not only for their high standards but also for their capacity to educate the public about intriguing weather phenomena.
Noteworthy images include Lukáš Gallo’s shot of intriguing “wave” clouds above a small town in the Czech Republic. Sensing the moment while driving, Gallo quickly stopped to capture the image, exemplifying that a skilled weather photographer must be prepared to seize the moment at any time.
Engineer and astronomy photographer Geshuang Chen was piloting his drone over a lake in China when he stumbled upon an unexpected sight. The drizzly weather coincided perfectly to create a circular rainbow visible only from that altitude. To add to the scene, it centered on a small island.
“As we commemorate 10 years of the competition, the Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year competition honors the remarkable images that continue to expose both the might and vulnerability of our changing world,” says Marisa Drew, chief sustainability officer at Standard Chartered. “Throughout the last decade, we have witnessed photographers from various generations and locations document the effects of our swiftly changing climate, showcasing how profoundly these transformations can impact communities and landscapes.”
Scroll down to view some of our favorites from the shortlist, and remember to cast your vote for the Standard Chartered Weather Photographer of the Year. All winners, including the public’s favorite, will be revealed on October 30, 2025.