Canada introduces new colour-coded weather alert system
Canada just got a new system designed to make weather alerts clearer for Canadians.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) introduced a new colour-coded system that makes it easier to quickly understand how severe the weather might be and the expected risks at a glance before you step out your door.
The new system kicked in on Wednesday, Nov. 26 and is part of the ongoing modernization of Canada’s public weather program. According to the ECCC, it aligns with best practices worldwide, including those suggested by the World Meteorological Organization.
“Canadians everywhere need timely, reliable alerts and the knowledge to act when hurricanes, wildfires, or other climate-related emergencies threaten their community,” stated Minister of Emergency Management Eleanor Olszewski.
“By strengthening our national weather alert program, we are making sure people get clear information they can count on so they can prepare, adapt, and stay safe in the face of any weather event.”
There are three alert colours: yellow, orange, and red.
1/4 New: #Weather alerts—Warnings, Advisories, and Watches—are now colour-coded. Moving from yellow, to orange, to red as the potential risk increases.
Always read your alerts to be #WeatherReady.
👉 Info: https://t.co/toM92VEtYN pic.twitter.com/DDbe6mp1l5
— Environment Canada (@environmentca) November 26, 2025
Using examples shared by the ECCC of how the new system would work in the case of wind, here’s what each colour means.
Yellow
ECCC
Yellow means hazardous weather that could cause damage, disruption, or health impacts, but is moderate, localized, and short-term. These are the most common alerts.
You may see:
- Some short-term utility outages
- Larger tree branches broken
- Risk of injury from flying or falling debris
Orange
ECCC
Orange means severe weather that will likely cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts that are major, widespread, and/or may last a few days. These alerts are more uncommon.
You may see:
- Widespread utility outages
- Some roof damage
- Small-to-medium trees snapped
- Increased risk of injury from flying or falling debris
Red
ECCC
Red is very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather that can cause extreme damage and disruption. The impacts are extensive, widespread, and prolonged. These alerts are rare.
You may see:
- Long-duration, widespread utility outages
- Structural damage to homes and buildings
- Significant damage to trees, including orchards and parks
- High likelihood of injury due to flying or falling debris
Canada’s new weather alerts system will be handy as a polar vortex could send parts of the country into a deep freeze heading into the holidays.