Accurate weather data is essential to designing infrastructure like roads and buildings that can withstand and adapt to the changing climate, and an increasing number of intended users of weather data from various communities of practice are looking to access hydrometeorological data collected at the local level. The development of standards that facilitate improved access to weather and climate data can help.

In Canada, although the primary source for weather and climate information is Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), there are also thousands of additional weather and climate monitoring stations across the country – operated by provinces, territories, municipalities, industry, universities, and other organizations. The growing demand for localized meteorological data has also contributed to the emergence of private sector data collection and analytics services using traditional meteorological equipment and approaches as well as new technologies and methods.

There is a need for an approach for narrowing the gap between the demand and the supply of weather data and to improve accessibility and use of credible localized data from a wide range of organizations. To address this gap, CSA Group, with support from the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), has published a new National Standard of Canada (NSC) relating to sharing hydrometeorological monitoring stations data:

• CSA R103:23, Protocols for sharing automated hydrometeorological monitoring stations data and metadata

This Standard is the fourth standard in a four-part series. This series of standards now supports consistency in the siting, operations, and maintenance of Canadian automated hydrometeorological monitoring stations, assists in the assessment of data quality, and improves data sharing. This suite of standards can bolster climate resiliency and aid efforts to adapt to our changing climate.

The other standards in the series include:

• CSA R100:20, Canadian metadata standard for hydrometeorological monitoring stations
• CSA R101:22. Automated hydrometeorological monitoring stations: Site selection, instrument installation, and instrument maintenance
• CSA R102:22, Data qualification for Canadian automated hydrometeorological monitoring stations

Collectively, these standards can help planners, designers, engineers, maintenance personnel, and asset managers confidently utilize robust data from any weather station or network that adheres to the requirements and recommendations of these new standards, whether operated by ECCC or another organization.

The development of these standards was funded by SCC’s Standards to Support Resilience in Infrastructure Program, with in-kind support from ECCC. Canadians can access all published CSA weather standards at no cost until 2024. For access to the standards, visit the CSA Store and click on the ‘view access’ button on the standards page.

Media may contact

CSA Group
Kimberly Gibson
[email protected]
+1-416-388-2371

Standards Council of Canada
Nadine James
[email protected]
+1-613-238-3222

About CSA Group
CSA Group is a global organization dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. We are a leader in North American standards development and in product testing, inspection and certification around the world. Our mandate is to hold the future to a higher standard.

About the Standards Council of Canada
Established in 1970 as a federal Crown corporation, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is Canada’s voice on standards and accreditation on the national and international stage. SCC works closely with a vast network of partners to promote the development of effective and efficient standards that protect the health, safety and well-being of Canadians while helping businesses prosper. As Canada’s leading accreditation organization, SCC creates market confidence at home and abroad by ensuring that conformity assessment bodies meet the highest national and international standards. SCC advances Canada’s interest on the international scene as a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) by connecting thousands of people to global networks and resources, opening a world of possibilities for Canadians and businesses.