The federal government has updated how weather alerts are displayed on the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) website. Now, weather alerts will use a colour-coded system of yellow, orange, and red to indicate severity.
Yellow alerts are the most frequent. They signal that weather could cause damage or some local risk. The government describes these impacts as “moderate, localized, and short term.”
Orange alerts are more serious. These will be issued when severe weather is likely to cause significant damage or disruptions, with a greater chance of injury. This means the impacts can be major and last longer, often for days.
Red alerts, however, are rare. They are issued for very dangerous conditions, indicating life-threatening weather that can lead to extreme damage and widespread disruption. An example of such a red alert would be the 2021 atmospheric river in British Columbia, which resulted in severe flooding and destroyed highways.
The colour-coded system aims to make it easier for Canadians to quickly grasp the severity of weather threats. This change reflects a global trend in emergency management and aligns with practices recommended by the World Meteorological Organization.
Previously, all alerts were displayed in red on the interactive map. Now, they will clearly distinguish between different categories: warnings, advisories, and watches. Special weather statements, which address unusual conditions, will remain grey.
According to recent data from ECCC, the number of severe weather events is on the rise, with a noted increase in extreme weather occurrences. This makes timely and reliable alerts even more vital. “Canadians need quick access to information, especially during emergencies like hurricanes and wildfires,” stated Eleanor Olszewski, the Minister of Emergency Management. “This new system ensures people receive clear alerts so they can prepare and stay safe.”
You can view these alerts anytime on the ECCC website. With the increased focus on clear communication, the hope is that everyone can better respond to the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.
