In a significant step forward for climate science, Western University has launched the Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory (CSSL), a transformative research initiative focused on understanding and mitigating Canada’s most extreme weather events. The lab was unveiled following a $20-million investment from long-time partner ImpactWX, marking a major milestone in the study of severe weather in Canada.
A New Home for Severe Weather Research
The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory, established in October 2024, aims to be the authoritative source for severe thunderstorm data and research across the country. With funding secured for the next decade, the CSSL will focus on collecting, documenting, and analyzing data related to severe weather phenomena such as tornadoes, hail, downbursts, and flash floods.
“Western’s track record in climate change research and natural disaster mitigation stands among the top in the world,” said Western President Alan Shepard. “ImpactWX’s continued investment and the launch of the CSSL will amplify our research capacity significantly. Gathering essential storm data and providing critical analysis will help inform policy and lead to real damage prevention strategies, benefiting communities and businesses nationwide.”
Building on Decades of Expertise
Under the umbrella of the CSSL, Western’s renowned engineering researchers will continue to advance the Northern Tornadoes Project (NTP) and Northern Hail Project (NHP). These initiatives have already made significant strides in severe weather research, including comprehensive investigations of notable events like the Ottawa-area tornado outbreak in 2018 and the EF4-rated tornado in Didsbury, Alberta, in 2023.
Dr. David Sills, executive director of the NTP and a lead researcher at the CSSL, emphasized the importance of this new lab in advancing severe thunderstorm research in Canada. “The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory represents a new era in severe thunderstorm research,” said Sills. “This lab will provide a far better understanding of risk and impacts in Canada, allowing us to share vital knowledge with decision-makers and the public.”
Expanding the Scope of Research
The CSSL will also introduce the Northern Mesonet Project (NMP), led by Connell Miller. This initiative aims to create a centralized “network of networks” by integrating data from automated weather and environmental monitoring stations across Canada. The project will enhance the detection and analysis of severe weather events, improving the country’s overall storm resiliency.
“Using new techniques and technologies, the NMP will increase the value of publicly available weather data,” said Miller. “Our goal is to make Canada a safer place to live, work, and study by providing comprehensive, real-time weather observations.”
Addressing the Rising Threat of Severe Weather
With the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events, the work being done at the CSSL is critical. The lab’s projects include the development of national climatologies for tornadoes, damaging hail, and flash floods. The Northern Hail Project, for example, is set to release a damaging hail climatology within the next two years, providing crucial data for infrastructure planning and community safety.
“The NHP is leading a renaissance in hail research in Canada,” said Julian Brimelow, NHP executive director. “These new climatologies will significantly enhance our understanding of severe weather and help inform risk assessments and mitigation strategies.”
Partnering for a Safer Future
The establishment of the CSSL marks a major collaboration between Western University, ImpactWX, and several other key partners, including the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction and the WindEEE Research Institute. The lab will also work closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada and international institutions to share data and expertise.
This investment builds on previous support from ImpactWX, which has contributed more than $10 million over the years to advance severe weather research at Western. The ongoing partnership has helped shape the way tornadoes, hailstorms, and other severe weather events are tracked and studied in Canada, while also providing valuable training opportunities for the next generation of wind engineers and atmospheric scientists.
Open Access to Data and Research
One of the CSSL's key principles is transparency and accessibility. The lab's data and analyses will be freely available to policymakers and the public, fostering innovation and improving community preparedness. Researchers and interested individuals can explore the CSSL’s resources online where they will find extensive data, event documentation, and links to related projects.
“The time is now to accelerate game-changing research in the climate space,” said Sills. “With the establishment of the CSSL, we are empowering Canadians to better understand and prepare for increasingly devastating extreme weather events.”
A Global Leader in Severe Storm Research
By aligning with leading severe storm research initiatives in the U.S. and Europe, the CSSL solidifies Canada’s position as a global leader in the field. The lab will collaborate with the U.S. National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) and the European Severe Storms Laboratory (ESSL) to share knowledge and develop innovative tools for detecting and documenting severe weather.
As the CSSL embarks on this new chapter, Western University and its partners are poised to make significant advancements in understanding Canada’s most dangerous weather events, paving the way for a safer, more resilient future.
For more information, visit CSSL’s website.