National Weather ServiceVirginiaFire Weather WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Fire Weather Watches in Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 6 fire weather watches for Virginia in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 22nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria was covered most often (28 times since 2008).
How many fire weather watches does Virginia get?
Every fire weather watch that covered part of Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2008 | 7 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington/Falls Church/Alexandria | 28 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Rappahannock | 28 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Shenandoah | 28 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Fairfax | 27 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Frederick | 27 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Madison | 27 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Warren | 27 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Clarke | 26 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Culpeper | 26 | 5 | November 16, 2025 |
| Page | 26 | 6 | November 16, 2025 |
| Greene | 25 | 5 | November 16, 2025 |
| King George | 24 | 4 | November 16, 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 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 Virginia.