Environment and Climate Change Canada Announces New Colour-Coded Weather Alert System

Brockville – Environment and Climate Change Canada announced on Thursday an important update to its national weather alert program, designed to make weather information clearer for Canadians.

They introduced a new colour-coded system, which begins today (Thursday, November 27, 2025), which they say 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,” they said in a media release.

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.

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.

The same weather can have different impacts, depending on timing, location, and population. That’s why each weather alert has a colour, to tell you the level of impact possible in your area, so you can prepare appropriately.