Environment Canada will disconnect its national Weatheradio and Hello Weather phone services effective March 16, 2026. The Weatheradio service, which broadcasts continuous automated weather forecasts, has been a vital source of information for many Canadians since its launch in 1976. Environment Canada states that the network reaches 90 percent of the Canadian population.
The decision to discontinue the service is due to the obsolete technology used to operate Weatheradio and Hello Weather, as well as increasing maintenance costs. An Environment Canada spokesperson noted that operating the network costs approximately $4 million per year, while decommissioning will cost $2.5 million over two years. While some understand the economic considerations, many Canadians are worried about the impact, especially in remote areas where internet and cellular service are unreliable.
Alternatives to Weatheradio include the WeatherCAN app and the interactive weather map on Environment Canada's website. The Canadian Coast Guard will continue to broadcast radio marine forecasts. Rogers, Bell, and Telus are also rolling out satellite services for mobile phones which could provide access to weather information in remote areas.
Some Canadians, particularly those who spend time in the backcountry, rely on Weatheradio as a critical safety tool. Roger Couture, a former canoe guide from Sudbury, recounted a 2023 trip on Georgian Bay where Weatheradio alerted him to an approaching storm, allowing him and his group to take necessary precautions. While Environment Canada assures that alternative weather information sources are readily available, the loss of Weatheradio is a significant change for Canadians who depend on it, especially during emergencies when other communication methods may fail.
