Alert

Environment Canada is turning to colours with its weather alerts.

The agency is adopting the use of Yellow, Orange and Red to describe the severity of a weather system.

Weather alerts are issued for a wide range of weather, including thunderstorms, rain or snow, blowing snow, wind, and heat.

Yellow, which Environment Canada says will be most commonly used, will be used when hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts, and the impacts are likely to be moderate, localized or short-lived.

Orange will be issued if the impacts are likely to be major and more widespread, or may last for a few days.

Red alerts will be issued if the system is considered very dangerous and possibly life-threatening, with the impacts considered more extensive and prolonged.

In situations where multiple weather alerts are issued for the same area, they will be prioritized by colour, with the most severe alert displayed first.

“We continue to experience more frequent and extreme weather in Canada, which makes it more important than ever for Canadians to have access to clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand weather alerts,” states Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, in a release.

“By improving how severe weather is reported, we are helping Canadians better understand and prepare for potential impacts, so they can make informed decisions about how and when to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property.”

Environment Canada says the new colour-coded system will make it easier for the public to notice and understand the severity of extreme weather at a glance.

The move also aligns with the practices of other weather services worldwide and those promoted by the World Meteorological Organization.