Published on Nov. 26, 2025, 6:31 PM
Environment and Climate Change Canada will use a three-colour system to convey the risk posed by weather hazards across the country
You’ll soon notice a colourful change to the weather alerts issued for your area by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).
Beginning Nov. 26, 2025, the agency will unveil colour-coded alerts across the country.
This new system will help Canadians understand and prepare for the level of weather impacts possible during hazardous conditions.
Understanding the alert colours
Every weather watch, advisory, and warning issued by ECCC will now have a colour attached to convey the potential risk posed by each hazard.
Yellow alerts indicate that hazardous weather may cause “damage, disruption, or health impacts” in your area. Yellow is the most common type of alert, advising that impacts are expected to be moderate and localized.
Orange alerts are less common, signalling the risk for severe weather that may cause significant damage, disruption, or danger to your health. Weather that prompts an orange alert may lead to major and widespread impacts, potentially lasting for up to a few days.