Hazardous Weather

Significant differences in its regional geography and seasonal conditions put Canada at risk for a wide range of hazardous weather conditions: from ice storms and blizzards, to heat waves and hurricanes.

One of the most crucial responsibilities of Environment Canada’s Meteorological Service is to give Canadians as much advance notice as possible about potentially hazardous weather.

By issuing timely warnings, watches and special statements, Environment Canada’s Public Alerting Program helps people take steps to protect themselves and their property from harm. We also provide tips on what to expect from summer and winter severe weather, including how to report and prepare for it.

In addition to public alerts, Environment Canada issues special alerts and information products to warn mariners of when hazardous marine weather, ice conditions or icebergs could threaten their safety.