Extreme Weather Warnings: Perspectives on the Role of Broadcast Meteorologists

A common theme across the globe is off-the-mark extreme weather warnings that lead to significant social, economic, physical, and environmental damages and, more broadly, the loss of public trust. The question is, how can the weather warning system be improved? The study is based on recent extreme weather-related warnings in Canada, including the 2021 tornado warning in Barrie, Ontario [CBC News (2021). Barrie, Ont., devastated by tornado that left 5-kilometre-long path of destruction, CBC News, Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/barrie-tornado-ef-2-clean-up-1.6105258 .], the 2021 severe flooding due to atmospheric river phenomenon in British Columbia [Vancouver S (2021). Significant atmospheric river causing rainfall warnings across southern BC. Retrieved from https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/significant-atmospheric-river-causing-rainfall-warnings-across-southern-b-c .], the 2023 tornado warning in Ottawa, ON [CBC News (2023). Tornado in Barrhaven damages about 125 homes, CBC News, Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/tornado-ottawa-barrhaven-july-13-1.6905782 .], and in 2023, flood alerts were found to be confusing and distracting in response efforts in Nova Scotia. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), a federal agency, monitors weather through instruments, radar, and satellite coverage. News outlets, media platforms, emergency management professionals and other stakeholders use this information in their work, functions and services. This research attempts to identify root causes for inefficiencies and areas for improvement in the Canadian system of extreme weather forecasting and warnings and their communication to the public. The approach to achieve this objective includes examining the current warning system, reviewing the fundamentals of risk communication, and in-depth interviews with broadcast meteorologists who routinely deliver the weather to the public across Canada.