A process for the production of synthesis gas is presented, which involves the steps of a) preparing a vapor phase mixture comprising steam and at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon by atomizing of the at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon through a nozzle such that the at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon is present as droplets with a droplet size of less than 500 μm and the time to complete evaporation does not exceed 0.5 seconds, said at least one hydrocarbon or oxygenated hydrocarbon having an atmospheric boiling point in the range of −50 to 370° C., said vapor phase having a H2O/C molar ratio of at least 2, and b) catalytic conversion of the vapor phase mixture into synthesis gas in a reformer.