Marine weather products and services: Pacific coast

PDF version - 567 KB

Forecast Products

The Regular Forecast includes detailed forecast wind speed and direction, weather and visibility, and any wind and freezing spray warnings in effect for the current and following day. (Days 1 and 2)

The Extended Forecast includes a general description of expected wind conditions for the period from the end of the Regular Forecast to the end of the fifth day of the forecast period. (Days 3 to 5)

The Technical Marine Synopsis gives a general picture of the position and motion of the main weather features (lows, highs, fronts).

The Marine Weather Statement informs of potentially hazardous conditions and/or significant weather features.

The Wave Height Forecast describes the expected significant wave height rather than the maximum wave height. Significant wave height is defined as the average of the highest one-third of all waves. Wave heights are described in metres and are measured from trough to crest. Maximum wave heights may be twice as high as the significant wave height.

The NAVTEX Forecast is a shortened version of the marine forecast products. It is transmitted by the Canadian Coast Guard and primarily intended for international users in Canadian waters.

Marine Observations

Environment Canada and its partner organizations provide weather observations and buoy reports along the coast. See maps for observing site locations.

Marine Forecast Areas, Observation Sites and Radio Networks Map

Marine Forecast Areas, Observation Sites and Radio Networks Close up Map

Forecast Issue Times

All issue times are Pacific Standard or Daylight Saving Time (PST/PDT). Updated forecasts are issued as required.

• Regular Forecast and Technical Marine Synopsis: 4 am; 10:30 am; 4 pm; 9:30 pm
• Extended Forecast: 4 am; 4 pm
• Wave Height Forecast: 4 am; 4 pm

Marine Forecast Content

Wind Speed and Direction: The wind speed is the average wind that is expected over the open water, given in units of knots (1 kt = 1.85 km/h). Wind direction refers to the direction from which the wind is blowing (based on true north and not on magnetic bearings). It should also be noted that with the rugged Pacific coastline, considerable local variations from the forecast winds are possible.

Weather and Visibility: A brief description of the weather is included in the forecast when visibility is expected to be reduced to near or below one nautical mile (1.85 km).

Freezing Spray: Is mentioned in the forecast if conditions are likely to result in ice build up on exposed vessel surfaces.

Air Temperature: Is included in the forecast only if temperatures are expected to be at or below 0° Celsius.

Marine Weather Warnings

• Strong Wind Warning: 20-33 knots (issued only for southern inner coastal waters between March 20th and Remembrance Day)
• Gale Warning: 34-47 knots
• Storm Warning: 48-63 knots
• Hurricane Force Wind Warning: 64 knots or greater (refers to wind speed and does not imply that a hurricane is occurring or expected to occur)
• Freezing Spray Warnings: Ice is expected to build up at a rate of 0.7 cm per hour or greater.
• Localized Warnings: Issued for any hazardous weather that requires immediate attention. Examples include water spout or squall warnings.

Obtaining Forecasts

• Environment Canada's Weather Website
• Forecast Consultation Service (user fees apply): 1-900-565-6565 (direct billing) or 1-888-292-2222 (cellphone access, credit card account billing)
• Environment Canada's public and marine forecasts and warnings broadcast 24 hours a day on Weatheradio.
• Environment Canada's marine weather forecasts and warnings. For information on Radio Aids to Marine Navigation, visit Canadian Coast Guard's Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB).

Contact Us

For general inquiries, comments and to report equipment outages, please call: 1-877-789-7733 or visit: weather.gc.ca/mainmenu/contact_us_e.html.