What Happened
The Canadian federal government has announced the termination of its radio météo service, effective March 16, 2026. This decision will also affect the toll-free telephone service that provides weather forecasts from Environment Canada. Following this date, Canadians will no longer have access to these services, which have been in operation since 1976.
Why It Matters
The discontinuation of the radio météo service represents a significant shift in how weather alerts are disseminated across Canada. Previously, Canadians relied on VHF radio frequencies to receive timely weather updates and alerts. With the end of this service, individuals using weather radios or similar devices will no longer receive critical weather information, potentially impacting public safety and preparedness during severe weather events.
What’s Next
As the transition approaches, Environment Canada has indicated that the public will need to seek alternative methods for receiving weather alerts. The agency has not specified what new systems will be put in place to replace the radio service. Meanwhile, meteorological forecasts suggest that Canadians can expect a challenging transition from winter to summer, with predictions of continued snowfall and rain in the eastern regions of the country.
