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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the True North Brief Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Environment and Climate Change Canada uses a set of 20–30 standard weather symbols, supplemented by app-specific icons. Refer to the live forecast above to see which symbols are in effect for your region today.
How do I read common weather symbols?
Most symbols combine a base condition (sun, cloud, rain, snow) with modifiers (light, heavy, thunder, wind). A circle with a dot at centre means mainly clear; overlapping circles indicate broken cloud cover. Symbols on your phone’s weather app typically mirror these official icons, though colours and detail may differ.
What do symbols on a forecast chart mean?
On national charts, a red “L” marks low-pressure centres, while blue “H” shows high pressure. Isotherms (lines of equal temperature) and fronts (cold, warm, occluded) are drawn with specific line types. The live forecast above may display these alongside conventional weather icons.
What does a sun with a cloud mean?
Partly cloudy conditions. The cloud covers less than half the sky; sun is still dominant. It is the most common daytime symbol across Canadian weather apps and Environment Canada’s chart.
Why do weather symbols differ between my app and TV?
Each provider (The Weather Network, AccuWeather, Apple Weather) uses slightly different icon sets, colours, and resolutions. The underlying meaning matches Environment Canada’s definitions; the visual style is branding.
Do weather symbols with names and pictures exist for severe alerts?
Yes. Environment Canada issues special symbols for warnings: a red triangle for tornado, a rain cloud with lightning for severe thunderstorm, and a snowflake inside a circle for blizzard. These are always paired with text alerts.
Sources
For current conditions in your city, check Canada weather hub or the Toronto and Calgary pages. Follow weather warnings when severe symbols appear.