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Rule Storm Chaser

Raudisandur - Storm Chaser - Iceland Coast

Patreksfjordur, Westfjords, 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 51% failing

Currently

Real-time conditions
Cloud Cover100%
Wind Gusts8.2m/s
Precipitation Chance5%
Air Pressure977.4hPa
CAPE0
Lifted Index7.1°C
Wind Gusts8.2m/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
Fri, Apr 10
19:000%22%0J/kg4.8°C24134m0.21m/s
20:000%53%0J/kg5°C24135m0.5m/s
21:0011%67%0J/kg5.5°C24135m0.7m/s
22:000%38%0J/kg5.7°C24135m1m/s
23:000%53%0J/kg5.8°C24134m1.6m/s
Sat, Apr 11
24:000%15%0J/kg5.8°C24134m2m/s
01:000%15%0J/kg5.3°C24134m1.3m/s
02:000%15%0J/kg5.1°C24134m1.5m/s
03:000%15%0J/kg4.9°C24134m1.4m/s
04:000%53%0J/kg4.9°C24135m1.7m/s
05:000%59%0J/kg4.8°C24134m1.7m/s
06:000%67%0J/kg5.1°C24134m2.6m/s
07:000%97%0J/kg5.1°C24135m2.7m/s
08:000%67%0J/kg5.3°C21597m2.5m/s
09:000%42%0J/kg5.4°C24134m2.1m/s
10:000%39%0J/kg5.3°C24135m2.2m/s
11:000%20%0J/kg5.2°C24135m2.5m/s
12:000%24%0J/kg5°C24134m2.6m/s
13:000%48%0J/kg6.2°C24134m4.7m/s
14:000%27%0J/kg7.5°C24135m5.4m/s
15:000%41%0J/kg7.5°C24135m6.6m/s
16:000%53%0J/kg7.4°C24135m8m/s
17:000%58%0J/kg6.8°C24135m8.6m/s
18:000%71%0J/kg7.1°C24135m8.2m/s
19:000%60%0J/kg7.1°C24135m8.2m/s
20:000%50%0J/kg7.5°C24134m6.8m/s
21:000%50%0J/kg7.9°C24134m7.3m/s
22:000%52%0J/kg8.3°C24134m7.4m/s
23:000%45%0J/kg7.6°C24135m6.7m/s
Sun, Apr 12
24:000%0.5%0J/kg7.9°C24134m8.3m/s
01:000%0%0J/kg7.8°C24135m10m/s
02:000%0.3%0J/kg5.8°C24135m9.9m/s
03:0015%0%0J/kg5°C24135m13m/s
04:0016%62%0J/kg4.5°C24134m17m/s
05:0018%66%0J/kg4.6°C23486m18m/s
06:0036%77%0J/kg4.6°C1171m18m/s
07:0036%80%0J/kg4.3°C667m19m/s
08:0037%69%0J/kg3.7°C1625m21m/s
09:0042%64%0J/kg3.6°C1373m20m/s
10:0036%74%0J/kg3.8°C1794m20m/s
11:0038%61%0J/kg4.1°C959m19m/s
12:0041%77%0J/kg4.6°C468m16m/s
13:0037%54%0J/kg4.7°C256m17m/s
14:0037%54%0J/kg4.2°C173m17m/s
15:0040%58%0J/kg4.4°C243m16m/s
16:0037%59%0J/kg4.1°C202m15m/s
17:0037%60%0J/kg3.9°C165m15m/s
18:0041%64%0J/kg3.8°C155m17m/s
19:0039%64%0J/kg2.5°C307m17m/s
20:0034%62%0J/kg1.6°C1760m15m/s
21:000%54%0J/kg1.2°C9409m8.4m/s
22:0020%53%0J/kg1.7°C182m6m/s
23:0020%48%0J/kg2.6°C90m5m/s
Mon, Apr 13
24:0020%1.9%0J/kg2.7°C82m3.6m/s
01:0017%1.6%0J/kg2.9°C83m2.4m/s
02:0018%12%0J/kg3.1°C237m5.5m/s
03:000%10%0J/kg3.1°C24135m3.6m/s
04:000%83%0J/kg2.2°C24134m2.8m/s
05:000%61%0J/kg1.8°C24134m3.4m/s
06:000%64%0J/kg1.6°C24135m2.7m/s
07:000%62%0J/kg1.6°C24135m2.3m/s
08:000%73%0J/kg1.4°C24134m1.8m/s
09:000%65%0J/kg1.3°C24135m1.3m/s
10:000%95%0J/kg1.6°C21262m2.7m/s
11:000%73%0J/kg1.2°C9426m3.2m/s
12:0012%73%0J/kg1.1°C4118m3m/s
13:0012%53%0J/kg1.3°C2346m3.4m/s
14:000%71%0J/kg1.3°C9321m3.5m/s
15:0015%69%0J/kg1.3°C508m3.1m/s
16:0015%52%0J/kg1.3°C188m2.8m/s
17:000%78%0J/kg1.5°C9618m2.3m/s
18:000%65%0J/kg2°C24135m2.6m/s
19:000%69%0J/kg2.1°C24134m2.4m/s
20:000%74%0J/kg2.5°C24135m2m/s
21:000%92%0J/kg2.6°C24134m1.9m/s
22:000%58%0J/kg2°C24135m2m/s
23:000%85%0J/kg1.8°C24135m1.9m/s
Tue, Apr 14
24:000%10%0J/kg1.9°C24134m1.9m/s
01:000%0%0J/kg2.2°C24134m2.1m/s
02:000%0%0J/kg2.4°C24135m2.4m/s
03:000%0%0J/kg2.7°C24135m2.6m/s
04:000%40%0J/kg2.7°C24135m2.9m/s
05:000%34%0J/kg2.7°C24135m3.2m/s
06:000%11%0J/kg2.7°C24135m3.6m/s
07:000%22%0J/kg2.7°C24135m3.6m/s
08:000%30%0J/kg2.8°C24135m3.6m/s
09:000%36%0J/kg2.8°C24135m3.6m/s
10:000%30%0J/kg3°C24135m3.5m/s
11:000%18%0J/kg3.1°C24135m3.4m/s
12:000%5.5%0J/kg3.2°C24135m3.4m/s
13:000%5.5%0J/kg3.2°C24135m3.2m/s
14:000%5.5%0J/kg3.1°C24135m3.1m/s
15:000%5.5%0J/kg3°C24135m2.9m/s
16:000%5.5%0J/kg3.2°C24135m2.9m/s
17:000%6.5%0J/kg3.3°C24135m2.9m/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
Sat, Apr 11 Sunrise 06:13 Sunset 21:02
19:00
977hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.1°C 49% 99% 5% 0mm 75% 0mm -20dBZ 12° 100% 0mm - - 5.5m/s
20:00
977hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.5°C 5% 100% 10% 0mm 79% 0mm -20dBZ 5.6° 100% 0mm - - 4.4m/s
21:00
977hPa 0J/kg 98% 7.9°C 5% 100% 15% 0mm 80% 0mm -20dBZ 0.04° 100% 0mm 4.2m/s 6.5m/s 4.6m/s
22:00
976hPa 0J/kg 100% 8.3°C 5% 100% 23% 0mm 82% 0mm -20dBZ -5.9° 100% 0mm - - 5m/s
23:00
976hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.6°C 7% 100% 31% 0mm 83% 0mm -20dBZ -10° 100% 0mm - - 4.4m/s
Sun, Apr 12 Sunrise 06:09 Sunset 21:06
24:00
975hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.9°C 49% 100% 39% 0mm 84% 0mm -20dBZ -14° 100% 0mm 2.8m/s 4.4m/s 4.6m/s
01:00
974hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.8°C 100% 100% 58% 0mm 85% 0mm -14dBZ -15° 100% 0mm - - 6.1m/s
02:00
974hPa 0J/kg 100% 5.8°C 99% 100% 76% 0mm 84% 0mm -7.2dBZ -16° 100% 0mm - - 6.5m/s
03:00
973hPa 0J/kg 82% 5°C 100% 100% 95% 0mm 81% 0mm -0.76dBZ -14° 100% 0mm 6.3m/s 9.1m/s 7.4m/s
04:00
973hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.5°C 97% 100% 97% 0mm 81% 0mm 0.94dBZ -11° 100% 0mm - - 9.9m/s
05:00
972hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.6°C 99% 100% 98% 0mm 87% 0mm 2.6dBZ -6.9° 100% 0mm - - 13m/s
06:00
971hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.6°C 97% 100% 100% 0.13mm 95% 0mm 4.3dBZ -1.5° 100% 0.06mm 7m/s 9m/s 13m/s
07:00
970hPa 0J/kg 5% 4.3°C 95% 100% 97% 0.15mm 95% 0mm 2.6dBZ 4.4° 100% 0.13mm - - 13m/s
08:00
969hPa 0J/kg 1% 3.7°C 87% 100% 94% 0.11mm 94% 0mm 0.81dBZ 10° 100% 0.25mm - - 14m/s
09:00
968hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.6°C 87% 100% 92% 0.06mm 95% 0mm -0.96dBZ 17° 100% 0.31mm 12m/s 12m/s 14m/s
10:00
968hPa 0J/kg 7% 3.8°C 87% 100% 94% 0.05mm 95% 0mm -2dBZ 22° 100% 0.38mm - - 13m/s
11:00
968hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.1°C 89% 100% 96% 0.07mm 96% 0mm -3.1dBZ 27° 100% 0.44mm - - 12m/s
12:00
968hPa 0J/kg 18% 4.6°C 96% 100% 98% 0.09mm 96% 0mm -4.2dBZ 31° 100% 0.5mm 12m/s 7.2m/s 10m/s
13:00
967hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.7°C 98% 100% 93% 0.15mm 96% 0mm -6.5dBZ 33° 100% 0.13mm - - 10m/s
14:00
967hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.2°C 97% 100% 88% 0.14mm 96% 0mm -8.8dBZ 33° 100% 0.25mm - - 11m/s
15:00
967hPa 0J/kg 0% 4.4°C 98% 100% 83% 0.18mm 97% 0mm -11dBZ 31° 100% 0.38mm 11m/s 2.7m/s 10m/s
16:00
967hPa 0J/kg 7% 4.1°C 92% 100% 87% 0.26mm 97% 0mm -12dBZ 28° 100% 0.56mm - - 9.4m/s
17:00
967hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.9°C 92% 100% 91% 0.29mm 97% 0mm -13dBZ 24° 100% 0.81mm - - 9.5m/s
18:00
967hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.8°C 93% 100% 95% 0.39mm 97% 0mm -14dBZ 18° 100% 1.1mm 9.8m/s 2m/s 11m/s
19:00
967hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.5°C 98% 99% 70% 0.31mm 96% 0mm -7.2dBZ 12° 100% 0.31mm - - 12m/s
20:00
967hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.6°C 98% 100% 46% 0.14mm 94% 0mm -0.8dBZ 5.9° 100% 0.5mm - - 9.7m/s
21:00
966hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.2°C 84% 100% 22% 0.03mm 95% 0.01mm 5.6dBZ 0.3° 100% 0.56mm 8.5m/s 7.7m/s 5.2m/s
22:00
966hPa 0J/kg 0% 1.7°C 85% 100% 36% 0.02mm 97% 0mm 7.3dBZ -5.5° 100% 0.63mm - - 3.7m/s
23:00
966hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.6°C 92% 100% 50% 0.01mm 98% 0mm 8.9dBZ -10° 100% 0.69mm - - 3.3m/s
Mon, Apr 13 Sunrise 06:05 Sunset 21:09
24:00
966hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.7°C 96% 99% 64% 0.01mm 98% 0mm 11dBZ -13° 99% 0.69mm 4.9m/s 6.1m/s 2.8m/s
01:00
966hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.9°C 100% 19% 56% 0.06mm 98% 0mm 3.2dBZ -15° 100% 0mm - - 2.2m/s
02:00
967hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.1°C 84% 5% 47% 0.01mm 96% 0mm -4.2dBZ -15° 84% 0.06mm - - 3.4m/s
03:00
968hPa 0J/kg 5% 3.1°C 6% 62% 39% 0mm 91% 0mm -12dBZ -14° 62% 0.06mm 4m/s 4m/s 3.1m/s
04:00
968hPa 0J/kg 1% 2.2°C 74% 65% 39% 0mm 89% 0mm -14dBZ -11° 74% 0.06mm - - 2.9m/s
05:00
969hPa 0J/kg 5% 1.8°C 35% 93% 39% 0mm 90% 0mm -17dBZ -6.5° 93% 0.06mm - - 3.1m/s
06:00
969hPa 0J/kg 5% 1.6°C 27% 100% 39% 0mm 94% 0mm -20dBZ -1.1° 100% 0.06mm 6m/s 6.3m/s 2.7m/s
07:00
970hPa 0J/kg 9% 1.6°C 51% 100% 33% 0mm 96% 0mm -20dBZ 4.7° 100% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
08:00
970hPa 0J/kg 5% 1.4°C 83% 84% 28% 0mm 93% 0mm -20dBZ 11° 85% 0mm - - 1.8m/s
09:00
970hPa 0J/kg 5% 1.3°C 88% 50% 22% 0mm 95% 0mm -20dBZ 17° 88% 0mm 0.82m/s 3.1m/s 1.3m/s
10:00
971hPa 0J/kg 16% 1.6°C 81% 43% 23% 0mm 96% 0mm -13dBZ 23° 81% 0mm - - 2.6m/s
11:00
971hPa 0J/kg 14% 1.2°C 92% 29% 25% 0.01mm 97% 0mm -5.4dBZ 27° 92% 0mm - - 2.9m/s
12:00
972hPa 0J/kg 19% 1.1°C 92% 83% 26% 0.01mm 98% 0mm 1.9dBZ 31° 92% 0mm 4.1m/s 5.6m/s 2.6m/s
13:00
972hPa 0J/kg 5% 1.3°C 89% 98% 30% 0mm 98% 0mm -1.8dBZ 33° 98% 0mm - - 2.7m/s
14:00
972hPa 0J/kg 33% 1.3°C 70% 97% 35% 0mm 98% 0.01mm -5.6dBZ 33° 97% 0mm - - 2.8m/s
15:00
973hPa 0J/kg 27% 1.3°C 92% 96% 39% 0mm 98% 0.01mm -9.3dBZ 32° 96% 0mm 5.1m/s 5.6m/s 2.8m/s
16:00
973hPa 0J/kg 9% 1.3°C 100% 100% 39% 0mm 97% 0.01mm -13dBZ 28° 100% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
17:00
973hPa 0J/kg 12% 1.5°C 94% 95% 39% 0.01mm 97% 0mm -16dBZ 24° 95% 0mm - - 2.1m/s
18:00
974hPa 0J/kg 5% 2°C 95% 99% 39% 0mm 94% 0mm -20dBZ 18° 100% 0mm 3.8m/s 5.5m/s 2.3m/s
19:00
974hPa 0J/kg 5% 2.1°C 100% 100% 39% 0mm 92% 0mm -20dBZ 12° 100% 0mm - - 2.1m/s
20:00
975hPa 0J/kg 5% 2.5°C 100% 72% 39% 0.01mm 91% 0mm -20dBZ 6.2° 100% 0mm - - 2m/s
21:00
975hPa 0J/kg 15% 2.6°C 89% 31% 39% 0mm 90% 0mm -20dBZ 0.56° 89% 0mm 3.8m/s 3.6m/s 2m/s
22:00
976hPa 0J/kg 3% 2°C 78% 5% 39% 0mm 88% 0mm -20dBZ -5.2° 78% 0mm - - 2.2m/s
23:00
976hPa 0J/kg 3% 1.8°C 68% 12% 39% 0mm 88% 0mm -20dBZ -9.7° 68% 0mm - - 2.1m/s
Tue, Apr 14 Sunrise 06:02 Sunset 21:12
24:00
976hPa 0J/kg 5% 1.9°C 34% 5% 39% 0mm 88% 0mm -20dBZ -13° 34% 0mm 1.2m/s 1.8m/s 2m/s
01:00
977hPa 0J/kg 3% 2.2°C 46% 5% 26% 0mm 86% 0mm -18dBZ -15° 46% 0mm - - 2m/s
02:00
977hPa 0J/kg 2% 2.4°C 57% 5% 13% 0mm 84% 0mm -16dBZ -15° 57% 0mm - - 2m/s
03:00
977hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.7°C 69% 5% 0% 0mm 82% 0mm -14dBZ -13° 69% 0mm 1.5m/s 0.34m/s 2m/s
04:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.7°C 48% 5% 0% 0mm 80% 0mm -15dBZ -10° 48% 0mm - - 2.1m/s
05:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.7°C 27% 5% 0% 0mm 78% 0mm -16dBZ -6.1° 27% 0mm - - 2.3m/s
06:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.7°C 6% 5% 0% 0mm 76% 0mm -17dBZ -0.64° 6% 0mm 2m/s 2.1m/s 2.4m/s
07:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.7°C 11% 5% 0% 0mm 75% 0mm -18dBZ 11% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
08:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.8°C 17% 5% 0% 0mm 74% 0mm -19dBZ 11° 17% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
09:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.8°C 22% 5% 0% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ 17° 22% 0mm 2.2m/s 3.7m/s 2.5m/s
10:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 3°C 16% 3% 0% 0mm 73% 0mm -20dBZ 23° 16% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
11:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.1°C 11% 2% 0% 0mm 74% 0mm -20dBZ 28° 11% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
12:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.2°C 5% 0% 0% 0mm 75% 0mm -20dBZ 32° 5% 0mm 0.67m/s 1.8m/s 2.5m/s
13:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.2°C 5% 0% 0% 0mm 78% 0mm -20dBZ 34° 5% 0mm - - 2.6m/s
14:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.1°C 5% 0% 0% 0mm 81% 0mm -20dBZ 34° 5% 0mm - - 2.7m/s
15:00
978hPa 0J/kg 0% 3°C 5% 0% 0% 0mm 84% 0mm -20dBZ 32° 5% 0mm 1.9m/s 5.3m/s 2.7m/s
16:00
977hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.2°C 5% 0% 0% 0mm 84% 0mm -20dBZ 29° 5% 0mm - - 2.8m/s
17:00
977hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.3°C 5% 0% 0% 0mm 83% 0mm -20dBZ 24° 5% 0mm - - 2.9m/s
18:00
977hPa 0J/kg 0% 3.4°C 5% 0% 0% 0mm 83% 0mm -20dBZ 19° 5% 0mm 1.5m/s 6.9m/s 2.9m/s
How to read: these inputs help produce the derived score; they are not requirements by themselves.

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