Canada's Past Weather Data Is Now Online

As the official keeper of the nation's weather records, Environment Canada maintains a collection of over 200 million observations, from over 7,000 sites, some dating as far back as 1840. These records of Canada's ever-changing weather have proved invaluable to a wide variety of specialists, including weather forecasters, emergency planners and weather-dependent businesses and industry. Now, for the first time, this information is readily available to the public.

Environment Canada's Meteorological Service maintains the National Climate Data Archive, which consists of a database of hourly weather observations, including temperature, precipitation, air pressure, wind speed, and cloud types, as well as notes on the occurrence of thunderstorms, hail, fog and other types of weather. Most of this vast collection is now available to the public through the new Web site.

Information on past weather and climate helps to protect the safety and security of Canadians. For example, design codes for buildings, bridges, electrical transmission lines and other structures are based on an analysis of past weather extremes to ensure that they can withstand local conditions. Data from the devastating ice storm which struck Ottawa and Montreal in 1998 was used to assist engineers in improving designs for hydro towers and power lines. Even natural disasters, like hurricanes or floods, can teach valuable lessons in preparing for hazardous weather.

Many businesses and industries find this web site an important resource. The agriculture and forestry industries depend on knowledge of past weather events, like drought and forest fires, to analyse how current water and moisture levels will affect their present situation. Ski resorts and other members of the winter recreational industry need to know about past snow fall patterns and cold temperatures to plan for their businesses. Lawyers may even rely on records of past weather events as evidence in criminal investigations.

The Web site can also be used to settle arguments and find interesting personal information. For example, users can find out what the weather was like when they were born. Users can also find details on major weather events in their community or check the weather for past years on a special day, such as the day they are planning a wedding or the family picnic. Users can also learn interesting information on their local community, such as the coldest or warmest day, or their record one-day snowfall.

Related Documents:

• National Climate Data Archive [Information Collection]
• Over a Century and a Half of Canada's Weather Data Is Now Online [News Release]