National Weather ServiceMassachusettsFire Weather WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Fire Weather Watches in Massachusetts
The National Weather Service issued 0 fire weather watches for Massachusetts in 2025 and 3 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 45th most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Southern Worcester was covered most often (32 times since 2008).
How many fire weather watches does Massachusetts get?
Every fire weather watch that covered part of Massachusetts. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 2008 | 5 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Worcester | 32 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Northern Worcester | 31 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Northwest Middlesex County | 31 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Central Middlesex County | 30 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Eastern Franklin | 29 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Eastern Hampshire | 29 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Western Franklin | 29 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Western Hampshire | 29 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Eastern Hampden | 28 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Western Hampden | 28 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Western Essex | 25 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
| Eastern Essex | 24 | 3 | May 17, 2023 |
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 fire weather watch?
A fire weather watch means critical fire weather conditions are possible in the coming days; it often comes before a red flag warning. 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. The national record · Every warning type in Massachusetts.