MetNotes

MetNotes are short notes written by meteorologists that provide additional context to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)-produced weather forecasts. These brief messages may include possible impacts due to weather, an early heads-up on severe weather, or information to prepare people attending outdoor events affected by weather.

Why has ECCC introduced MetNotes?

Feedback has indicated that Canadians want contextual information that helps explain better how the weather may affect their daily lives.

Where do I find a MetNote?

MetNotes are found exclusively on the WeatherCAN app. In the future, we hope to introduce MetNotes onto the Weather.gc.ca website and other platforms.

How do I find MetNotes on the WeatherCAN app?

When MetNotes are issued, they will appear in the MetNote “sheet” at the bottom of the app screen on both Android and iOS devices.  The MetNote sheet will appear on the tab or tabs (Now, Hourly, 7 Day) that correspond to the valid period of the MetNote.  The MetNote sheet will always appear at the bottom of the 7 Day tab.

Will I get a notification of a MetNote?

Active MetNotes will appear in the MetNote “sheet” at the bottom of the screen on the WeatherCAN app, but will not trigger any notification on mobile devices. They are not warnings, they are additional information related to the forecast.

Why can’t I find a MetNote?

MetNotes are only posted when an ECCC forecaster feels value-added, impact or other contextual information should be added to the standard forecast. They are also only posted for a specified time period and will disappear when that time period is over.

When are MetNotes issued?

MetNotes are issued any time ECCC meteorologists think that additional contextual information will improve public understanding of the forecast and the potential impacts of weather.

How do I know when a MetNote is valid?

At the top of the MetNote sheet is the valid time for the MetNote. This can range from one hour or for up to one week. If the valid time indicates that it is valid “Now”, it means that the meteorologist is speaking about something that is happening right now and will end sometime in the future. If the valid time is in the future, it means that the conditions that the comment speaks about will happen in the future between the indicated hours.