National Weather ServiceWashingtonExtreme Heat WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Extreme Heat Watches in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 9 extreme heat watches for Washington in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 6th most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 6% above the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. South Washington Cascade Foothills was covered most often (22 times since 2008).
How many extreme heat watches does Washington get?
Every extreme heat watch that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2008 | 1 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Washington Cascade Foothills | 22 | 4 | August 22, 2025 |
| Western Columbia River Gorge | 21 | 2 | August 14, 2023 |
| Lower Columbia and I - 5 Corridor in Cowlitz County | 21 | 2 | August 14, 2023 |
| Greater Vancouver Area | 21 | 2 | August 14, 2023 |
| Willapa Hills | 19 | 4 | July 4, 2024 |
| Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Washington | 17 | 9 | July 21, 2026 |
| Yakima Valley | 16 | 8 | July 21, 2026 |
| Lower Columbia Basin of Washington | 15 | 7 | July 21, 2026 |
| Kittitas Valley | 15 | 7 | September 2, 2025 |
| Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington | 15 | 7 | July 21, 2026 |
| Wenatchee Area | 14 | 5 | August 23, 2025 |
| Moses Lake Area | 14 | 5 | August 23, 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 an extreme heat watch?
An extreme heat watch means dangerous heat is possible in the coming days. It replaced the excessive heat watch in 2025. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. AreaZine's counts include the excessive heat watches issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Washington.