Weather related events have a direct impact on citizens, communities and economic competitiveness. This reality highlights the need for Canadians to have easy access to tailored and timely weather forecasts.
The computer and wireless revolution has fundamentally changed what Canadians require in terms of meteorological information, how they use it and how they expect to access it. To ensure Canadians have access to information that is better suited, more accurate and more relevant to their needs, upgrades will be made to the weather warning and forecasts systems:
- Weather alerts issued by Environment Canada will span a broader range of weather phenomenon and time scales, from imminent, life-threatening severe thunderstorms and tornadoes requiring immediate response, to week-ahead warnings of disruptive blizzards or dangerous heat waves.
- Weather forecast information will be delivered to Canadians in more intuitive, understandable, visual and adaptable formats through modern telecommunications technology and social media.
- By augmenting the number of warning preparedness meteorologists (WPM), Environment Canada will increase its capacity to interact seamlessly with emergency management officials at all levels (federal, provincial and municipal) with a focus on getting timely weather information to these organizations.
With this investment, Environment Canada will communicate weather warnings more accurately and with more lead time to Canadian citizens and weather sensitive business sectors, such as agriculture, tourism and transportation, enabling them to be better prepared to face these natural hazards. A modernized weather warning and forecast system will contribute to protect the health, safety and economic well-being of Canadians.
These investments are part the Meteorological Service of Canada’s long term plan to address critical infrastructure, scientific advancements, life-cycle management strategies and important services delivered to all Canadians.
