Canadian Weather Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about meteorology, weather alerts, and how to read forecast reports in Canada.
Everything you need to know about weather forecasting in Canada.
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions compiled by our meteorological team.
What is the difference between a warning and a watch?
A weather watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather warning is issued when severe weather (such as a tornado, blizzard, or heat wave) is imminent or already occurring in your area. Take immediate action when a warning is active.
How does the Humidex scale work?
The Humidex is a Canadian innovation used to describe how hot the weather feels to the average person. It combines air temperature and relative humidity into a single value. A Humidex above 40 indicates high discomfort, and above 45 represents dangerous conditions with high risk of heat stroke.
