Depending on the colour, Canadians will be able to tell with just a glance as to the severity of the weather, and if they should be taking any precautions before heading outside.

Canada’s Colour-Coded Weather Alert System

Released on Wednesday, November 26, Canada’s weather alerts will now shift from just stating the hazard and alert type to having an associated colour level. These colour levels each have their own tier of severity, ranging from disruptive weather to the dangerous. 

The system was designed to make weather information clearer, so that understanding weather risks only takes a quick look to know the warnings. In a press release, the Government of Canada said that “this new system is part of the ongoing modernization of our public weather program and aligns with best practices worldwide, including those promoted by the World Meteorological Organization.”

Every weather alert now has a colour joined to it. Warnings, Advisories, and Watches can range from yellow, to orange, to red, which demonstrate the seriousness of the weather event.

Alert Types

• Yellow Alerts (Common): These alerts are issued when weather is hazardous enough to cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Generally, the impacts are moderate, localized, and/or short-term.
• Orange Alerts (Uncommon): These alerts are issued when significant damage, disruption, or health impacts are expected from severe weather. The impacts are major, widespread, and/or may last a few days.
• Red Alerts (Rare): These alerts are issued when very dangerous and potentially life-threatening weather is expected to cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts can potentially be extensive, widespread, and prolonged.

ECC plans to launch further initiatives over the next year in order to improve severe weather alerts. By adding more context to daily forecasts and expected impacts, as well as extending the outlook for potential extreme weather, Canadians will be equipped with the most accurate weather information when they need it.

Source: 604NOW