National Weather ServiceWashingtonCold Weather AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Cold Weather Advisories in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 21 cold weather advisories for Washington in 2025 and 3 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 31st most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 277% above the average of 2 for those months in 2008-2025. Okanogan Valley was covered most often (18 times since 2008).
How many cold weather advisories does Washington get?
Every cold weather advisory that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2015 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Washington get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Washington?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Okanogan Valley | 18 | 2 | February 10, 2025 |
| South Washington Cascade Foothills | 16 | 15 | January 25, 2026 |
| Waterville Plateau | 14 | 3 | February 13, 2025 |
| North Clark County Lowlands | 14 | 14 | January 25, 2026 |
| Upper Columbia Basin | 13 | 2 | February 10, 2025 |
| Inner Vancouver Metro | 13 | 13 | January 25, 2026 |
| Cowlitz County Lowlands | 13 | 13 | January 25, 2026 |
| Spokane Area | 12 | 3 | February 13, 2025 |
| Willapa Hills | 11 | 11 | January 24, 2026 |
| Western Whatcom County | 11 | 4 | February 10, 2025 |
| East Clark County Lowlands | 11 | 11 | January 24, 2026 |
| Washington Palouse | 10 | 3 | February 13, 2025 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a cold weather advisory?
A cold weather advisory means cold temperatures or wind chills that can be dangerous to people without shelter. It replaced the wind chill advisory in 2024-2025. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. AreaZine's counts include the wind chill advisories issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Washington.