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Rule Storm Chaser

Hvítserkur - Storm Chaser - Iceland Coast

Hvammstangi, Northwest, Iceland

Dramatic storm conditions — from atmospheric builds to active thunderstorms

No opportunities right now
Here’s what usually blocks matches

No Storm Chaser opportunities in the next 14 days

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Rule requirements (key thresholds)
Storm Intensity · ≥ 55.0% Cloud Drama Score · ≥ 55.0% CAPE · ≥ 1200.0J/kg Lifted Index · ≤ -2.0°C

Tip: Scroll down to the 72-hour table to see exactly which condition fails hour by hour.

Most common blockers (next 72 hours)
Storm Intensity 100% failing
CAPE 100% failing
Cloud Drama Score 60% failing

Currently

Real-time conditions
Cloud Cover100%
Wind Gusts1.0m/s
Precipitation Chance0%
Air Pressure971.8hPa
CAPE0
Lifted Index2.0°C
Wind Gusts1.0m/s
Precipitation0.0mm

Upcoming Opportunities

When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.

Times shown in Atlantic/Reykjavik

No opportunities in the next 10 days

See the blocker timeline below to understand which conditions are preventing matches.

What this forecast looks for

Plain-language explanation from the rule

This forecast tracks North Atlantic storm systems hitting Iceland's volcanic coastline, identifying when conditions create dramatic—but photographable—opportunities. We monitor storm intensity, wave height, wind speed, and post-storm clearing to predict optimal storm photography windows.

Iceland's position in the North Atlantic storm track means powerful weather systems regularly batter its shores. These storms create some of the most dramatic coastal photography opportunities on Earth, with massive waves crashing against black sand, icebergs, and basalt formations. The key is timing—shooting after peak storm intensity when conditions remain dramatic but become safer.

What makes Iceland's coast special for storm photography:

  • North Atlantic power - Powerful storm systems generate massive waves hitting volcanic shores
  • Sneaker wave drama - Reynisfjara's notorious sneaker waves create spectacular but dangerous conditions
  • Storm-driven waterfalls - Coastal waterfalls like Svartifoss and Seljalandsfoss become more dramatic in storms
  • Black sand contrast - Dark volcanic beaches make white storm waves and spray even more dramatic

Reynisfjara black sand beach becomes Iceland's most dramatic—and most dangerous—storm location. The beach's gently sloping profile allows waves to rush far up the sand with little warning. Multiple tourists have been killed here by "sneaker waves" that arrive without warning during storm conditions. Our forecast helps identify post-storm windows when seas remain photogenic but the worst danger has passed—never turn your back on the ocean here. Diamond Beach offers similar drama with the added element of icebergs being tossed by storm waves. Stokksnes combines storm seas with the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain backdrop. Icelandic storms also supercharge coastal waterfalls—wind-driven spray and increased flow create spectacular conditions. Safety is absolutely paramount—maintain safe distances, watch wave patterns for several minutes before positioning, and be prepared to retreat quickly.

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72-hour requirements breakdown

What passed or failed, hour by hour
0matching hours in the next 95 hours
OR logic: one branch per group is enough
Meets requirement
Misses requirement
Time
Atlantic/Reykjavik
Storm Intensity
≥ 55.0%
Cloud Drama Score
≥ 55.0%
CAPE
OR1·B1
≥ 1200.0J/kg
Lifted Index
OR1·B2
≤ -2.0°C
Visibility
≥ 2500.0m
Wind Gusts
≤ 22.0m/s
Wed, Apr 8
01:0016%15%0J/kg9.8°C24135m15m/s
02:000%8.6%0J/kg10°C24134m12m/s
03:0013%12%1J/kg9.7°C24135m5.9m/s
04:000%14%0J/kg9.2°C19561m2.6m/s
05:000%61%0J/kg8.6°C19313m2m/s
06:0016%68%0J/kg6.7°C19357m2.7m/s
07:000%100%0J/kg3.9°C24135m5.7m/s
08:0015%66%0J/kg2.5°C23846m14m/s
09:0028%64%3J/kg2.3°C24135m14m/s
10:000%54%1J/kg2.5°C21076m8.4m/s
11:000%74%0J/kg2.9°C22738m4.9m/s
12:0017%49%0J/kg3.4°C15947m3.6m/s
13:000%40%1J/kg5.4°C18087m2.3m/s
14:000%43%2J/kg4.7°C17346m3.7m/s
15:0013%44%7J/kg2.2°C16985m5.3m/s
16:000%68%1J/kg1.2°C5742m6.6m/s
17:000%26%0J/kg2.5°C8575m7.5m/s
18:000%84%0J/kg3.3°C24135m6.8m/s
19:000%42%0J/kg3.6°C24135m6.2m/s
20:000%35%0J/kg3.7°C24134m4.8m/s
21:000%33%0J/kg3.8°C24134m3.3m/s
22:000%45%0J/kg2.8°C24135m2.4m/s
23:000%3.9%0J/kg1.7°C23401m1.9m/s
Thu, Apr 9
24:000%4.2%0J/kg2.1°C19625m3.2m/s
01:000%7.1%0J/kg2°C21554m1m/s
02:000%8.8%0J/kg2.2°C21949m1.5m/s
03:000%12%0J/kg2.4°C24135m1m/s
04:000%50%0J/kg1.6°C24135m1.6m/s
05:000%50%0J/kg2°C24134m1.6m/s
06:000%57%0J/kg1.8°C24134m1.7m/s
07:000%60%0J/kg1.6°C24134m1.8m/s
08:000%89%0J/kg1.4°C24135m1.4m/s
09:000%94%0J/kg1°C24134m1.5m/s
10:000%40%0J/kg1.2°C24135m2m/s
11:000%56%0J/kg1.5°C24135m2.7m/s
12:000%54%0J/kg1.4°C24135m4.7m/s
13:000%53%0J/kg1.2°C24135m8.5m/s
14:000%54%0J/kg0.4°C24134m12m/s
15:0016%51%0J/kg0.6°C24135m13m/s
16:0015%54%1J/kg0.9°C24134m13m/s
17:0015%60%0J/kg0.6°C22534m15m/s
18:0029%66%0J/kg1.6°C21424m19m/s
19:0015%63%1J/kg2.5°C24135m13m/s
20:0015%62%0J/kg2.9°C24134m14m/s
21:0028%59%0J/kg3.6°C24134m13m/s
22:0015%30%0J/kg4.2°C24135m13m/s
23:0016%42%0J/kg4.8°C24134m14m/s
Fri, Apr 10
24:0023%14%0J/kg5.1°C24135m14m/s
01:0014%9.2%0J/kg4.4°C24134m14m/s
02:0013%4.9%0J/kg4.1°C24134m13m/s
03:0023%7.5%0J/kg4.1°C24135m12m/s
04:000%73%0J/kg4.2°C23790m12m/s
05:0015%35%0J/kg4.4°C24134m12m/s
06:0019%74%0J/kg4.4°C24135m12m/s
07:000%77%0J/kg4.5°C24134m12m/s
08:000%69%0J/kg4.7°C24134m12m/s
09:0018%37%0J/kg4.9°C24135m11m/s
10:000%57%0J/kg5.3°C24135m9m/s
11:000%60%1J/kg4.8°C24134m8.6m/s
12:0015%51%1J/kg5°C24134m8.1m/s
13:000%36%0J/kg5.3°C24134m7.4m/s
14:000%36%0J/kg5.5°C24134m6.5m/s
15:0011%36%0J/kg5.5°C24134m6.1m/s
16:000%36%0J/kg5.8°C24134m5.6m/s
17:000%40%0J/kg5.9°C24135m3.9m/s
18:000%38%0J/kg5.6°C24135m3.8m/s
19:000%59%0J/kg5.5°C24135m3.1m/s
20:000%65%0J/kg5.4°C24134m1.5m/s
21:000%66%0J/kg5.5°C24135m1.4m/s
22:000%58%0J/kg5.4°C24134m0.9m/s
23:000%47%0J/kg5.1°C24135m2.8m/s
Sat, Apr 11
24:0012%15%0J/kg5.3°C24134m5.3m/s
01:000%15%0J/kg5.3°C24134m5.5m/s
02:000%15%0J/kg5.3°C24134m4.6m/s
03:000%15%0J/kg5.4°C24135m3.9m/s
04:000%33%0J/kg5.3°C24135m3.9m/s
05:000%33%0J/kg5.2°C23413m4m/s
06:000%65%0J/kg5.3°C17193m4.4m/s
07:000%48%0J/kg5.3°C15438m6.3m/s
08:000%46%0J/kg5.2°C13684m8.3m/s
09:0014%22%0J/kg5.2°C11929m10m/s
10:0014%22%0J/kg5.1°C10003m11m/s
11:0015%33%0J/kg5.1°C8077m12m/s
12:0017%35%0J/kg5°C6151m13m/s
13:0014%54%0J/kg5.3°C12146m13m/s
14:0013%52%0J/kg5.5°C18140m13m/s
15:0014%54%0J/kg5.7°C24135m14m/s
16:0015%65%0J/kg6.2°C23855m14m/s
17:0015%83%0J/kg6.6°C23575m14m/s
18:0025%86%0J/kg7.1°C23296m15m/s
19:0015%77%0J/kg7.3°C23191m15m/s
20:0015%71%0J/kg7.6°C23086m15m/s
21:0025%71%0J/kg7.9°C22981m15m/s
22:0015%61%0J/kg7.1°C15389m16m/s
23:0017%61%0J/kg6.4°C7797m16m/s
How to read: colored cells show whether each predicate requirement is met; highlighted rows mean the full rule matched (an opportunity). For OR groups, only one branch is required, so some OR-branch predicates can be ✕ even in a matching hour.

What does Cloud Drama Score mean?

Inputs that drive the score

This derived score summarizes multiple raw weather signals. The table below shows the supporting inputs hour by hour, so you can see what's pushing the score up or down.

Time
Atlantic/Reykjavik
Air Pressure
hPa
CAPE
J/kg
High Clouds
%
Lifted Index
°C
Low Clouds
%
Mid-Level Clouds
%
Precipitation Chance
%
Rainfall
mm
Relative Humidity
%
Showers
mm
Simulated Reflectivity
dBZ
Solar Elevation
°
Total Cloud Coverage
%
Total Precipitation
mm
Wind Shear 0-3 km
m/s
Wind Shear 0-6 km
m/s
Wind Speed
m/s
Thu, Apr 9 Sunrise 06:09 Sunset 20:43
01:00
972hPa 0J/kg 0% 2°C 60% 100% 0% 0mm 83% 0mm -11dBZ -17° 100% 0mm - - 1.1m/s
02:00
971hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.2°C 15% 98% 1% 0mm 81% 0mm -15dBZ -17° 98% 0mm - - 1.4m/s
03:00
971hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.4°C 5% 9% 1% 0mm 81% 0mm -20dBZ -15° 9% 0mm 11m/s 7.7m/s 1m/s
04:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.6°C 41% 98% 8% 0mm 81% 0mm -20dBZ -12° 98% 0mm - - 1.5m/s
05:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 2°C 33% 100% 15% 0mm 80% 0mm -20dBZ -7.1° 100% 0mm - - 1.6m/s
06:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.8°C 58% 96% 22% 0mm 80% 0mm -20dBZ -1.5° 96% 0mm 11m/s 6.7m/s 1.8m/s
07:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.6°C 73% 83% 27% 0mm 79% 0mm -14dBZ 4.5° 95% 0mm - - 1.7m/s
08:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.4°C 12% 55% 32% 0mm 79% 0mm -7.3dBZ 11° 56% 0mm - - 1.2m/s
09:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1°C 22% 16% 38% 0mm 78% 0mm -0.93dBZ 17° 30% 0mm 11m/s 9.2m/s 1.5m/s
10:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.2°C 14% 5% 47% 0mm 75% 0mm -7.3dBZ 22° 14% 0mm - - 1.7m/s
11:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.5°C 33% 100% 57% 0mm 74% 0mm -14dBZ 27° 100% 0mm - - 2m/s
12:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.4°C 14% 100% 67% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ 30° 100% 0mm 9.1m/s 5.4m/s 2.5m/s
13:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.2°C 24% 100% 57% 0mm 68% 0mm -20dBZ 32° 100% 0mm - - 4.7m/s
14:00
970hPa 0J/kg 0% 0.4°C 37% 95% 47% 0mm 71% 0mm -19dBZ 32° 95% 0mm - - 7.8m/s
15:00
971hPa 0J/kg 0% 0.6°C 48% 96% 37% 0mm 77% 0mm -19dBZ 30° 96% 0mm 5.7m/s 9.6m/s 9.4m/s
16:00
971hPa 1J/kg 0% 0.9°C 76% 98% 41% 0mm 83% 0mm -11dBZ 26° 99% 0mm - - 9.4m/s
17:00
972hPa 0J/kg 0% 0.6°C 100% 100% 45% 0.03mm 86% 0mm -3.7dBZ 22° 100% 0mm - - 9.9m/s
18:00
973hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.6°C 38% 100% 48% 0.05mm 88% 0mm 4dBZ 16° 100% 0.13mm 5.3m/s 12m/s 12m/s
19:00
974hPa 1J/kg 0% 2.5°C 47% 100% 42% 0mm 84% 0mm -3dBZ 9.8° 100% 0mm - - 8.4m/s
20:00
975hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.9°C 23% 100% 35% 0mm 82% 0mm -10dBZ 3.7° 100% 0mm - - 9.3m/s
21:00
976hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.6°C 11% 100% 28% 0mm 81% 0mm -17dBZ -2.3° 100% 0mm 7.6m/s 16m/s 8.6m/s
22:00
976hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.2°C 5% 100% 29% 0mm 77% 0mm -18dBZ -7.6° 100% 0mm - - 8.6m/s
23:00
977hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.8°C 5% 100% 30% 0mm 72% 0mm -19dBZ -12° 100% 0mm - - 8.2m/s
Fri, Apr 10 Sunrise 06:05 Sunset 20:46
24:00
977hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.1°C 5% 80% 31% 0mm 69% 0mm -20dBZ -15° 80% 0mm 5.7m/s 11m/s 7.7m/s
01:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.4°C 4% 48% 37% 0mm 68% 0mm -20dBZ -17° 48% 0mm - - 7.8m/s
02:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.1°C 5% 100% 44% 0mm 70% 0mm -20dBZ -16° 100% 0mm - - 7.7m/s
03:00
980hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.1°C 5% 60% 50% 0mm 75% 0mm -20dBZ -15° 60% 0mm 8.7m/s 14m/s 7.7m/s
04:00
981hPa 0J/kg 2% 4.2°C 7% 61% 50% 0mm 81% 0mm -20dBZ -11° 61% 0mm - - 7.9m/s
05:00
982hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.4°C 8% 96% 50% 0mm 85% 0mm -20dBZ -6.7° 96% 0mm - - 8.2m/s
06:00
983hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.4°C 6% 67% 50% 0mm 81% 0mm -20dBZ -1.1° 67% 0mm 6.3m/s 20m/s 7.4m/s
07:00
984hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.5°C 7% 32% 33% 0mm 81% 0mm -20dBZ 4.8° 32% 0mm - - 7.5m/s
08:00
985hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.7°C 5% 48% 17% 0mm 78% 0mm -20dBZ 11° 48% 0mm - - 7.8m/s
09:00
986hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.9°C 6% 86% 0% 0mm 74% 0mm -20dBZ 17° 86% 0mm 6.8m/s 18m/s 7.4m/s
10:00
988hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.3°C 34% 100% 0% 0mm 70% 0mm -20dBZ 23° 100% 0mm - - 6.9m/s
11:00
988hPa 1J/kg 0% 4.8°C 17% 82% 0% 0mm 65% 0mm -20dBZ 27° 82% 0mm - - 6.7m/s
12:00
989hPa 1J/kg 0% 5°C 12% 100% 0% 0mm 62% 0mm -20dBZ 31° 100% 0mm 3.3m/s 19m/s 6.8m/s
13:00
990hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.3°C 5% 100% 0% 0mm 60% 0mm -20dBZ 33° 100% 0mm - - 6.1m/s
14:00
991hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.5°C 5% 93% 0% 0mm 58% 0mm -20dBZ 32° 93% 0mm - - 5.4m/s
15:00
992hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.5°C 5% 92% 0% 0mm 55% 0mm -20dBZ 30° 92% 0mm 1.9m/s 17m/s 5.1m/s
16:00
992hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.8°C 6% 91% 0% 0mm 54% 0mm -20dBZ 27° 91% 0mm - - 4.7m/s
17:00
993hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.9°C 1% 91% 0% 0mm 54% 0mm -20dBZ 22° 91% 0mm - - 3.2m/s
18:00
994hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.6°C 1% 89% 0% 0mm 54% 0mm -20dBZ 16° 89% 0mm 3.4m/s 3.1m/s 3.1m/s
19:00
994hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.5°C 0% 55% 0% 0mm 58% 0mm -20dBZ 10° 55% 0mm - - 2.7m/s
20:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.4°C 0% 48% 0% 0mm 62% 0mm -20dBZ 48% 0mm - - 1.5m/s
21:00
996hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.5°C 0% 37% 0% 0mm 63% 0mm -20dBZ -1.9° 37% 0mm 6m/s 9.9m/s 1.4m/s
22:00
996hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.4°C 1% 43% 7% 0mm 66% 0mm -20dBZ -7.3° 43% 0mm - - 0.1m/s
23:00
997hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.1°C 8% 18% 15% 0mm 72% 0mm -19dBZ -12° 18% 0mm - - 2.6m/s
Sat, Apr 11 Sunrise 06:02 Sunset 20:49
24:00
997hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.3°C 26% 40% 22% 0mm 85% 0mm -19dBZ -15° 40% 0mm 13m/s 13m/s 5m/s
01:00
997hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.3°C 36% 60% 22% 0mm 87% 0mm -19dBZ -16° 60% 0mm - - 5m/s
02:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.3°C 67% 16% 22% 0mm 85% 0mm -20dBZ -16° 67% 0mm - - 4.5m/s
03:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.4°C 96% 7% 22% 0.01mm 82% 0mm -20dBZ -14° 96% 0mm 4.4m/s 5.2m/s 3.8m/s
04:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.3°C 99% 4% 23% 0.01mm 79% 0mm -18dBZ -11° 99% 0mm - - 3.9m/s
05:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.2°C 97% 7% 25% 0mm 77% 0.01mm -16dBZ -6.4° 97% 0mm - - 3.9m/s
06:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.3°C 100% 45% 26% 0.01mm 76% 0.01mm -14dBZ -0.66° 100% 0.06mm 5.3m/s 4.7m/s 4.4m/s
07:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.3°C 97% 30% 17% 0.01mm 77% 0.02mm -11dBZ 5.2° 97% 0.08mm - - 6m/s
08:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.2°C 94% 15% 9% 0.02mm 79% 0.02mm -7.3dBZ 11° 94% 0.1mm - - 7.5m/s
09:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.2°C 90% 0% 0% 0.02mm 80% 0.03mm -4dBZ 17° 90% 0.13mm 5m/s 5.8m/s 9.1m/s
10:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.1°C 87% 0% 17% 0.03mm 82% 0.03mm -2.1dBZ 23° 87% 0.21mm - - 10m/s
11:00
998hPa 0J/kg 0% 5.1°C 84% 0% 33% 0.03mm 85% 0.03mm -0.2dBZ 28° 84% 0.29mm - - 11m/s
12:00
997hPa 0J/kg 0% 5°C 80% 0% 50% 0.04mm 87% 0.03mm 1.7dBZ 31° 80% 0.38mm 7.2m/s 8.3m/s 12m/s
13:00
997hPa 0J/kg 2% 5.3°C 64% 33% 40% 0.03mm 86% 0.03mm 1.1dBZ 33° 87% 0.29mm - - 12m/s
14:00
997hPa 0J/kg 3% 5.5°C 48% 67% 31% 0.02mm 86% 0.02mm 0.55dBZ 33° 93% 0.21mm - - 12m/s
15:00
997hPa 0J/kg 5% 5.7°C 32% 100% 21% 0.01mm 85% 0.02mm -0.02dBZ 31° 100% 0.13mm 5.9m/s 7.6m/s 12m/s
16:00
996hPa 0J/kg 14% 6.2°C 32% 99% 29% 0.02mm 85% 0.02mm 1.9dBZ 27° 99% 0.19mm - - 12m/s
17:00
996hPa 0J/kg 23% 6.6°C 32% 99% 37% 0.02mm 85% 0.02mm 3.8dBZ 22° 99% 0.25mm - - 12m/s
18:00
995hPa 0J/kg 32% 7.1°C 31% 98% 44% 0.03mm 85% 0.02mm 5.6dBZ 17° 98% 0.31mm 8.8m/s 12m/s 13m/s
19:00
994hPa 0J/kg 55% 7.3°C 36% 99% 51% 0.02mm 86% 0.03mm 0.7dBZ 10° 99% 0.25mm - - 13m/s
20:00
994hPa 0J/kg 77% 7.6°C 41% 99% 57% 0.01mm 87% 0.03mm -4.3dBZ 4.3° 99% 0.19mm - - 13m/s
21:00
993hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.9°C 46% 100% 63% 0mm 89% 0.04mm -9.2dBZ -1.6° 100% 0.13mm 9.4m/s 11m/s 13m/s
22:00
993hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.1°C 64% 100% 66% 0.08mm 91% 0.05mm -6.7dBZ -7° 100% 0.19mm - - 13m/s
23:00
993hPa 0J/kg 100% 6.4°C 82% 100% 69% 0.17mm 94% 0.06mm -4.2dBZ -11° 100% 0.25mm - - 13m/s
Sun, Apr 12 Sunrise 05:58 Sunset 20:52
24:00
992hPa 0J/kg 100% 5.7°C 100% 100% 71% 0.25mm 97% 0.07mm -1.8dBZ -14° 100% 0.31mm 8.8m/s 14m/s 13m/s
How to read: these inputs help produce the derived score; they are not requirements by themselves.

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