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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 43% failing

Currently

Real-time conditions
Cloud Cover78%
Wind Gusts11.1m/s
Precipitation Chance74%
Air Pressure994.6hPa
CAPE12
Lifted Index5.9°C
Wind Gusts11.1m/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
Sat, May 23
13:0015%34%4J/kg3.4°C348m4.6m/s
14:0015%33%2J/kg3.5°C457m4.8m/s
15:0015%35%2J/kg3.6°C704m5.5m/s
16:0013%60%1J/kg3.5°C2003m6.2m/s
17:000%60%4J/kg3.4°C19431m6.2m/s
18:0016%40%3J/kg3.4°C970m6.6m/s
19:000%71%7J/kg3.2°C10419m7.2m/s
20:0018%69%5J/kg3.4°C698m7.4m/s
21:0020%68%9J/kg3.3°C272m7.4m/s
22:0033%64%1J/kg2.9°C211m6.5m/s
23:0034%64%1J/kg3.1°C250m5.3m/s
Sun, May 24
24:0040%86%2J/kg3°C282m4m/s
01:0030%82%3J/kg3.9°C449m2.3m/s
02:0027%64%8J/kg5.6°C678m0.51m/s
03:0027%59%6J/kg6.3°C2857m2.4m/s
04:0015%57%1J/kg6.3°C24134m4m/s
05:0016%64%17J/kg6.2°C24135m9.3m/s
06:0035%63%0J/kg7°C24134m11m/s
07:0015%64%0J/kg6.5°C24134m12m/s
08:000%63%0J/kg6.8°C24134m11m/s
09:0029%52%0J/kg6.6°C24134m12m/s
10:0013%56%1J/kg6.4°C24135m12m/s
11:0013%64%10J/kg6.2°C24134m12m/s
12:0025%54%13J/kg6°C24135m12m/s
13:0012%70%12J/kg5.9°C24135m11m/s
14:0012%70%13J/kg5.7°C24135m11m/s
15:0024%68%15J/kg5.4°C24134m10m/s
16:000%62%11J/kg5.4°C24134m10m/s
17:000%58%9J/kg5.1°C24134m9.3m/s
18:0013%57%9J/kg4.9°C24134m8.4m/s
19:000%57%3J/kg4.8°C24135m7.4m/s
20:000%60%2J/kg4.8°C24134m6.8m/s
21:0011%63%2J/kg4.6°C24135m5.9m/s
22:000%62%1J/kg4.4°C24134m2.6m/s
23:000%50%0J/kg4.4°C24135m1.3m/s
Mon, May 25
24:000%29%0J/kg4.3°C24135m0.9m/s
01:000%29%0J/kg4.3°C24135m0.31m/s
02:000%92%3J/kg4.2°C24135m0.32m/s
03:000%64%5J/kg4.1°C24135m0.63m/s
04:000%64%6J/kg3.8°C24134m1.4m/s
05:000%62%2J/kg3.6°C24134m1.7m/s
06:000%61%0J/kg3.5°C24134m1m/s
07:000%56%0J/kg3.4°C24135m0.9m/s
08:000%37%0J/kg3.2°C24134m0.6m/s
09:000%78%0J/kg3.3°C24135m0.3m/s
10:000%43%0J/kg3.1°C24135m1m/s
11:000%38%0J/kg2.9°C24134m1.7m/s
12:000%38%0J/kg2.9°C24135m2.2m/s
13:000%32%1J/kg2.8°C24134m2.6m/s
14:000%67%5J/kg2.6°C24134m3.1m/s
15:000%64%4J/kg2.6°C24134m3.9m/s
16:000%75%5J/kg2.9°C24134m6.1m/s
17:000%82%6J/kg3.3°C24135m9m/s
18:0015%87%6J/kg3.6°C24134m11m/s
19:000%67%9J/kg4.5°C24135m8.5m/s
20:000%59%9J/kg5.5°C24134m8.8m/s
21:0013%57%12J/kg6.2°C24135m9.9m/s
22:000%60%1J/kg6.5°C24134m10m/s
23:000%60%0J/kg6.5°C24134m7.2m/s
Tue, May 26
24:000%31%0J/kg7°C24135m6.6m/s
01:000%75%0J/kg7.2°C24134m6.8m/s
02:000%98%0J/kg7.4°C24135m5.7m/s
03:000%79%0J/kg7.6°C24134m3.6m/s
04:000%62%1J/kg7.5°C24134m4.7m/s
05:000%47%1J/kg7.6°C24134m6.2m/s
06:000%48%4J/kg7.7°C24135m6.1m/s
07:000%71%8J/kg7.5°C24134m7.5m/s
08:000%48%4J/kg7.8°C24135m8.8m/s
09:000%60%8J/kg8°C24134m9.7m/s
10:000%37%16J/kg8°C24135m11m/s
11:000%29%17J/kg7.8°C24134m11m/s
12:000%24%18J/kg7.7°C24134m12m/s
13:000%24%16J/kg7.6°C24134m13m/s
14:000%22%13J/kg7.5°C24135m13m/s
15:0014%23%9J/kg7.5°C24135m13m/s
16:000%50%12J/kg7.5°C24134m12m/s
17:000%57%13J/kg8.1°C24135m12m/s
18:0015%44%12J/kg9.1°C24134m13m/s
19:000%46%12J/kg9.4°C24134m13m/s
20:000%46%13J/kg9.7°C24135m13m/s
21:0014%21%13J/kg10°C24135m13m/s
22:000%29%15J/kg9.9°C24135m12m/s
23:000%35%18J/kg9.9°C24135m12m/s
Wed, May 27
24:000%60%20J/kg9.8°C24135m11m/s
01:000%64%19J/kg9.9°C24135m11m/s
02:000%41%18J/kg10°C24135m11m/s
03:0015%41%17J/kg10°C24135m11m/s
04:000%62%18J/kg10°C24135m12m/s
05:000%64%18J/kg9.8°C24135m12m/s
06:0018%60%19J/kg9.5°C24135m12m/s
07:000%57%19J/kg9.4°C24135m12m/s
08:000%57%19J/kg9.3°C24135m11m/s
09:000%32%19J/kg9.2°C24135m11m/s
10:000%48%16J/kg9.2°C24135m11m/s
11:000%40%14J/kg9.2°C24135m11m/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
Sun, May 24 Sunrise 03:21 Sunset 23:22
13:00
995hPa 12J/kg 0% 5.9°C 78% 48% 74% 0mm 57% 0.01mm -4.2dBZ 45° 78% 0mm - - 8.5m/s
14:00
995hPa 13J/kg 0% 5.7°C 58% 36% 65% 0mm 54% 0.01mm -12dBZ 45° 66% 0mm - - 8.2m/s
15:00
995hPa 15J/kg 0% 5.4°C 62% 11% 56% 0.01mm 52% 0mm -20dBZ 43° 62% 0mm 3.7m/s 21m/s 8.2m/s
16:00
995hPa 11J/kg 0% 5.4°C 56% 9% 59% 0.01mm 52% 0mm -20dBZ 39° 56% 0mm - - 8m/s
17:00
995hPa 9J/kg 0% 5.1°C 61% 3% 61% 0mm 52% 0mm -20dBZ 33° 61% 0.06mm - - 7.3m/s
18:00
995hPa 9J/kg 0% 4.9°C 56% 0% 64% 0mm 53% 0mm -20dBZ 27° 56% 0.06mm 1.9m/s 18m/s 6.5m/s
19:00
995hPa 3J/kg 0% 4.8°C 20% 0% 49% 0mm 55% 0mm -20dBZ 21° 20% 0mm - - 5.6m/s
20:00
995hPa 2J/kg 0% 4.8°C 43% 0% 34% 0mm 57% 0mm -20dBZ 15° 43% 0mm - - 5.1m/s
21:00
995hPa 2J/kg 0% 4.6°C 40% 0% 19% 0mm 63% 0.02mm -20dBZ 9.4° 40% 0.06mm 2.6m/s 15m/s 3.7m/s
22:00
995hPa 1J/kg 0% 4.4°C 33% 0% 22% 0mm 67% 0mm -20dBZ 4.5° 33% 0.06mm - - 2.3m/s
23:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.4°C 15% 0% 24% 0mm 70% 0mm -20dBZ 0.81° 15% 0.06mm - - 1.4m/s
Mon, May 25 Sunrise 03:18 Sunset 23:26
24:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.3°C 9% 4% 26% 0mm 71% 0mm -20dBZ -2.2° 9% 0.06mm 3.9m/s 7.1m/s 0.83m/s
01:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.3°C 8% 6% 25% 0mm 72% 0mm -18dBZ -3.5° 8% 0mm - - 0.32m/s
02:00
995hPa 3J/kg 0% 4.2°C 11% 29% 24% 0mm 73% 0mm -16dBZ -3.2° 29% 0mm - - 0.31m/s
03:00
995hPa 5J/kg 0% 4.1°C 22% 99% 23% 0mm 74% 0mm -14dBZ -1.4° 99% 0mm 1.7m/s 5.9m/s 0.59m/s
04:00
995hPa 6J/kg 0% 3.8°C 45% 100% 28% 0mm 74% 0mm -16dBZ 1.8° 100% 0mm - - 1.4m/s
05:00
995hPa 2J/kg 0% 3.6°C 63% 100% 33% 0mm 76% 0mm -18dBZ 5.9° 100% 0mm - - 1.6m/s
06:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.5°C 18% 90% 39% 0mm 78% 0mm -20dBZ 11° 90% 0mm 1.3m/s 9.3m/s 0.94m/s
07:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.4°C 13% 100% 44% 0mm 78% 0mm -20dBZ 17° 100% 0mm - - 0.86m/s
08:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.2°C 6% 98% 50% 0mm 77% 0mm -20dBZ 23° 98% 0mm - - 0.53m/s
09:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.3°C 12% 36% 56% 0mm 76% 0mm -20dBZ 29° 36% 0mm 0.83m/s 5.7m/s 0.43m/s
10:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.1°C 15% 10% 65% 0mm 74% 0mm -20dBZ 35° 17% 0mm - - 1.5m/s
11:00
995hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.9°C 15% 7% 74% 0mm 72% 0.02mm -20dBZ 40° 15% 0mm - - 2.4m/s
12:00
996hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.9°C 17% 7% 83% 0mm 72% 0.01mm -20dBZ 44° 17% 0.06mm 3.2m/s 2.9m/s 3m/s
13:00
996hPa 1J/kg 0% 2.8°C 13% 8% 71% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ 46° 13% 0mm - - 3.4m/s
14:00
997hPa 5J/kg 0% 2.6°C 38% 45% 59% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ 45° 46% 0.06mm - - 3.6m/s
15:00
997hPa 4J/kg 0% 2.6°C 11% 58% 47% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ 43° 58% 0.06mm 3.3m/s 6.9m/s 3.9m/s
16:00
998hPa 5J/kg 0% 2.9°C 20% 74% 50% 0mm 70% 0.01mm -16dBZ 39° 74% 0.13mm - - 4.5m/s
17:00
999hPa 6J/kg 0% 3.3°C 34% 21% 53% 0mm 66% 0.02mm -13dBZ 33° 39% 0.13mm - - 6m/s
18:00
999hPa 6J/kg 0% 3.6°C 49% 34% 56% 0mm 68% 0.05mm -9.2dBZ 27° 50% 0.19mm 2.4m/s 14m/s 7.7m/s
19:00
1001hPa 9J/kg 0% 4.5°C 88% 68% 40% 0mm 75% 0.01mm -13dBZ 21° 88% 0mm - - 6.1m/s
20:00
1002hPa 9J/kg 0% 5.5°C 94% 51% 25% 0mm 74% 0.01mm -16dBZ 15° 94% 0.06mm - - 5.9m/s
21:00
1003hPa 12J/kg 0% 6.2°C 100% 68% 9% 0mm 77% 0.04mm -20dBZ 9.5° 100% 0.06mm 4.4m/s 10m/s 6.3m/s
22:00
1004hPa 1J/kg 0% 6.5°C 100% 28% 6% 0.01mm 79% 0.02mm -20dBZ 4.7° 100% 0.13mm - - 6.6m/s
23:00
1005hPa 0J/kg 0% 6.5°C 100% 29% 3% 0.01mm 78% 0.01mm -20dBZ 0.96° 100% 0.19mm - - 4.7m/s
Tue, May 26 Sunrise 03:14 Sunset 23:29
24:00
1006hPa 0J/kg 0% 7°C 100% 7% 0% 0mm 77% 0.01mm -20dBZ -2° 100% 0.19mm 5.1m/s 7m/s 4.3m/s
01:00
1006hPa 0J/kg 5% 7.2°C 70% 8% 13% 0mm 76% 0mm -20dBZ -3.3° 70% 0mm - - 4.6m/s
02:00
1007hPa 0J/kg 5% 7.4°C 14% 25% 26% 0mm 78% 0mm -20dBZ -3.1° 25% 0mm - - 4.2m/s
03:00
1007hPa 0J/kg 5% 7.6°C 38% 5% 39% 0mm 80% 0mm -20dBZ -1.2° 38% 0mm 6.4m/s 8.5m/s 2.9m/s
04:00
1007hPa 1J/kg 3% 7.5°C 79% 5% 53% 0mm 80% 0mm -17dBZ 79% 0mm - - 3.6m/s
05:00
1008hPa 1J/kg 5% 7.6°C 97% 2% 68% 0.01mm 76% 0mm -14dBZ 6.1° 97% 0mm - - 4.8m/s
06:00
1008hPa 4J/kg 5% 7.7°C 95% 1% 82% 0mm 73% 0mm -12dBZ 11° 95% 0mm 7.9m/s 9.7m/s 4.6m/s
07:00
1008hPa 8J/kg 5% 7.5°C 65% 0% 68% 0mm 76% 0.01mm -5.7dBZ 17° 65% 0mm - - 5.7m/s
08:00
1009hPa 4J/kg 1% 7.8°C 11% 0% 53% 0mm 73% 0.01mm 0.3dBZ 23° 11% 0mm - - 6.8m/s
09:00
1008hPa 8J/kg 0% 8°C 37% 0% 39% 0mm 67% 0.01mm 6.3dBZ 29° 37% 0mm 7.8m/s 8.1m/s 7.5m/s
10:00
1008hPa 16J/kg 0% 8°C 85% 4% 39% 0mm 64% 0.04mm 6.5dBZ 35° 85% 0.06mm - - 8.4m/s
11:00
1009hPa 17J/kg 4% 7.8°C 98% 5% 39% 0mm 65% 0.06mm 6.8dBZ 40° 98% 0.13mm - - 8.5m/s
12:00
1009hPa 18J/kg 0% 7.7°C 100% 0% 39% 0mm 63% 0.05mm 7.1dBZ 44° 100% 0.19mm 7.5m/s 6.3m/s 8.9m/s
13:00
1009hPa 16J/kg 0% 7.6°C 98% 0% 26% 0mm 61% 0.03mm 5.2dBZ 46° 98% 0.06mm - - 9.1m/s
14:00
1009hPa 13J/kg 0% 7.5°C 98% 0% 13% 0mm 60% 0.03mm 3.3dBZ 45° 98% 0.06mm - - 9.8m/s
15:00
1009hPa 9J/kg 0% 7.5°C 97% 0% 0% 0mm 61% 0.01mm 1.3dBZ 43° 97% 0.06mm 7.3m/s 10m/s 9.6m/s
16:00
1009hPa 12J/kg 0% 7.5°C 49% 0% 13% 0mm 67% 0.03mm -2dBZ 39° 49% 0.13mm - - 8.8m/s
17:00
1010hPa 13J/kg 2% 8.1°C 48% 0% 26% 0mm 69% 0.02mm -5.3dBZ 34° 48% 0.13mm - - 8.9m/s
18:00
1010hPa 12J/kg 0% 9.1°C 18% 1% 39% 0mm 67% 0.01mm -8.6dBZ 28° 18% 0.19mm 6.4m/s 11m/s 9.9m/s
19:00
1010hPa 12J/kg 0% 9.4°C 44% 2% 39% 0mm 70% 0.02mm -6.7dBZ 21° 44% 0.15mm - - 9.3m/s
20:00
1011hPa 13J/kg 0% 9.7°C 69% 3% 39% 0mm 74% 0.04mm -4.7dBZ 15° 69% 0.1mm - - 8.6m/s
21:00
1011hPa 13J/kg 0% 10°C 95% 4% 39% 0mm 77% 0.05mm -2.7dBZ 9.7° 95% 0.06mm 8.3m/s 11m/s 8m/s
22:00
1011hPa 15J/kg 4% 9.9°C 97% 2% 53% 0.007mm 77% 0.06mm -5.9dBZ 4.8° 97% 0.15mm - - 7.9m/s
23:00
1011hPa 18J/kg 7% 9.9°C 98% 1% 67% 0.01mm 78% 0.06mm -9dBZ 1.1° 98% 0.23mm - - 7.7m/s
Wed, May 27 Sunrise 03:11 Sunset 23:33
24:00
1011hPa 20J/kg 11% 9.8°C 100% 0% 82% 0.02mm 78% 0.07mm -12dBZ -1.8° 100% 0.31mm 7.2m/s 8.2m/s 7.6m/s
01:00
1011hPa 19J/kg 38% 9.9°C 93% 0% 74% 0.02mm 76% 0.06mm -5.6dBZ -3.1° 99% 0.29mm - - 7.8m/s
02:00
1011hPa 18J/kg 65% 10°C 86% 0% 66% 0.02mm 73% 0.05mm 1dBZ -2.9° 98% 0.27mm - - 7.9m/s
03:00
1011hPa 17J/kg 92% 10°C 80% 0% 58% 0.02mm 71% 0.04mm 7.6dBZ -1° 97% 0.25mm 9.1m/s 11m/s 8.1m/s
04:00
1011hPa 18J/kg 94% 10°C 86% 31% 66% 0.03mm 70% 0.04mm 7.6dBZ 2.1° 98% 0.31mm - - 8.3m/s
05:00
1011hPa 18J/kg 97% 9.8°C 93% 62% 74% 0.03mm 69% 0.03mm 7.6dBZ 6.2° 99% 0.38mm - - 8.5m/s
06:00
1011hPa 19J/kg 100% 9.5°C 100% 92% 82% 0.04mm 68% 0.03mm 7.6dBZ 11° 100% 0.44mm 11m/s 15m/s 8.7m/s
07:00
1011hPa 19J/kg 100% 9.4°C 98% 63% 69% 0.03mm 68% 0.03mm 6.9dBZ 17° 100% 0.35mm - - 8.4m/s
08:00
1011hPa 19J/kg 100% 9.3°C 97% 34% 56% 0.02mm 68% 0.04mm 6.2dBZ 23° 100% 0.27mm - - 8.1m/s
09:00
1011hPa 19J/kg 100% 9.2°C 95% 5% 43% 0.01mm 68% 0.04mm 5.5dBZ 30° 100% 0.19mm 10m/s 16m/s 7.8m/s
10:00
1011hPa 16J/kg 100% 9.2°C 97% 13% 47% 0.01mm 67% 0.03mm 6.1dBZ 35° 100% 0.23mm - - 7.8m/s
11:00
1011hPa 14J/kg 100% 9.2°C 98% 21% 51% 0.02mm 67% 0.02mm 6.7dBZ 40° 100% 0.27mm - - 7.7m/s
12:00
1011hPa 11J/kg 100% 9.2°C 100% 29% 56% 0.02mm 66% 0.01mm 7.2dBZ 44° 100% 0.31mm 9.2m/s 13m/s 7.7m/s
How to read: these inputs help produce the derived score; they are not requirements by themselves.

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