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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Civic Maple Weather Desk. Data from Environment and Climate Change Canada and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Weather radar uses radio waves to detect precipitation, showing you where rain, snow, or hail is falling and how hard. The live radar above updates frequently, giving you a real-time view of current conditions across Canada, from a passing shower to a major storm system.
How does weather radar work?
A radar dish sends out a pulse of energy. When that pulse hits a raindrop, snowflake, or hailstone, some energy bounces back. The radar measures the strength and time delay of the return signal to map precipitation location and intensity. Colours on the display—green for light rain, yellow for moderate, red for heavy—help you quickly assess what is heading your way.
What can I see on the live radar?
The live radar above covers most of Canada, including weather radar environment canada data. You can zoom in for ontario weather radar 24 hours or check weather radar atlantic canada for coastal systems. For city-specific views, use the toronto weather radar 24 hour loop or toronto weather radar live to track approaching storms. If you are in Newfoundland, the weather radar near st john’s nl shows local precipitation patterns.
Why does the radar sometimes show no data?
Radar can be blocked by mountains or tall buildings, or may be offline for maintenance. Also, very light drizzle or snow may not be strong enough to reflect the signal. Check the Canada weather hub for alternative observations.
Can radar predict tornadoes or hail?
Yes. Doppler radar detects rotation in storms, which can indicate a tornado threat. It also measures reflectivity patterns that suggest large hail. Environment and Climate Change Canada uses this data for weather warnings.
Is the live radar the same as on TV?
Generally yes, but the live radar above is raw data without TV graphics. It shows the same base reflectivity that meteorologists use. For a more polished view with forecasts, see The Weather Network Canada.