30% of Canadians report being hit by extreme weather in past year: poll

Extreme weather events have impacted a growing number of Canadians, with 30% reporting personal effects over the last 12 months, according to a recent online poll by Leger. This figure represents an increase from 23% in June 2025, suggesting a rising trend in direct experiences with severe weather.

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Broadly across Eastern Canada and up to the Prairies, extreme cold seemed to rise a little bit.

The poll, which surveyed 1,512 Canadians between June 12-15, also revealed shifts in the nature of these impacts. While fewer respondents reported having to stay indoors due to poor air quality (59%, down from 65% a year ago) or cancel travel plans (21%, down from 27%), there was a notable rise in those selecting "other" to describe their experience, increasing from 8% to 13%.

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I wonder a little bit about the general nature of Canadians, you know, maybe complaining a bit about the weather.

Andrew Enns, Leger's executive vice-president for Central Canada, noted that extreme cold experienced in the past winter might be on some Canadians' minds. He also speculated that general public discourse and media coverage, including forecasts of an El Niño system, could be shaping Canadians' concerns about future weather patterns. Despite the increase in reported impacts, the number of Canadians concerned about hot summers and heat waves has significantly decreased from 62% last year to 32% in the current poll.

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Yeah, it’s crazy.