Here's how to read Canada’s oldest weather beacon
Standing nearly 100 meters above University Avenue in downtown Toronto is a weather beacon atop the Canada Life Building.
When completed in 1951, it was the third tallest building in Toronto. Today it’s trumped by the CN Tower, along with over 50 other buildings, but its unique light displays and colours make it unmistakable - and they’ll give you the forecast!
Here’s the code:
The beacon light on top indicates sky conditions:
Solid green = clear
Solid red = cloudy
Flashing red = rain
Flashing white = snow
The beacon tower lights explain the temperature story
Lights shooting up = temperature is warming
Lights shooting down = temperature is cooling
Lights steady = steady temperature
The time of day is also important:
Daytime = signals the balance for the day
Night time = forecasts for the following day
The weather forecast is updated four times a day in conjunction with Environment Canada’s weather station at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
While this is Canada’s oldest weather beacon, it’s certainly not the only one in the world.
Pedestrians in Sydney, Australia can gaze upon Westpac Place for real time barometric pressure change. In Osaka, Japan, the famous Tempozan Ferris Wheel illuminates in coloured lights to indicate the next day’s sky conditions. And of course, there’s the classic weather stone, found anywhere with a sense of humour.
