National Weather ServiceArizonaFlash Flood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flash Flood Watches in Arizona
The National Weather Service issued 0 flash flood watches for Arizona in 2025 and 18 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 15th most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Northwest Deserts was covered most often (84 times since 2008).
How many flash flood watches does Arizona get?
Every flash flood watch that covered part of Arizona. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 33 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2014 | 32 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 17 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Deserts | 84 | 0 | December 24, 2021 |
| Northwest Plateau | 71 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave | 62 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Lake Mead National Recreation Area | 62 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Yavapai County Mountains | 61 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons | 59 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Yavapai County Valleys and Basins | 59 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Grand Canyon Country | 54 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Coconino Plateau | 53 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Western Mogollon Rim | 50 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains including Bisbee/Canelo Hills/Madera Canyon | 48 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
| Kaibab Plateau | 48 | 0 | August 31, 2021 |
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 flash flood watch?
A flash flood watch means the rain or conditions that lead to flash flooding are possible in the coming hours. Since 2022 most NWS offices issue a flood watch in its place: the national count fell from 692 in 2021 to 76 in 2022, while flood watches rose from 203 to 715 (IEM archive), so compare the two together. 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 Arizona.