Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Canada Rolls Out Colour-Coded Weather Alerts Nationwide

The impact-based scheme conveys risk using yellow, orange, or rare red levels tied to forecast confidence.

Overview

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada activated the colour system on November 26 across Canada.ca/Weather and the WeatherCAN app.
  • Every warning, advisory, and watch now carries a colour, while special weather statements appear in grey.
  • Meteorologists assign colours using an Alert Colour Matrix that blends model guidance, real-time observations, forecast confidence, and new Impact Guides.
  • The first use came with a late-November storm, placing parts of northern Ontario on orange alert and surrounding areas on yellow.
  • ECCC says additional upgrades will roll out over the next year to add context to forecasts and extend outlooks.