Environment and Climate Change Canada announces new colour-coded weather alert system
Nov. 27, 2025
Global Korean Post
–
Environment and Climate Change Canada is the country’s official source for severe weather alerts.
Weather alerts can be issued for a wide range of hazards, including weather like thunderstorms, rain or snow, blowing snow, wind, and heat.
There may be situations where multiple weather alerts occur simultaneously for the same area. They will be prioritized by colour, with the most severe alert displayed first.
On November 26, Environment and Climate Change Canada announced an important update to its national weather alert program, designed to make weather information clearer for Canadians.
A new colour-coded system will make it easier to quickly understand the severity of extreme weather and its expected risk at a glance. 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.
Each type of weather alert—Warnings, Advisories, and Watches—now includes a colour, ranging from yellow, to orange, to red to show the seriousness of the weather event:
- Yellow alerts are the most common. They are issued when hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are likely moderate, localized, and/or short-term.
- Orange alerts are less common. They are issued when severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts can be major, widespread, and/or may last a few days.
- Red alerts are rare. They are issued when very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts have the potential to be extensive, widespread, and prolonged.
To provide impact-based alerts, Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorologists will use a new Alert Colour Matrix. They will combine the latest atmospheric data—weather models, real-time observations, and forecast confidence—with new Impact Guides that will help them describe the impact the weather event will have on people, property, and communities.
