National Weather ServiceArizonaFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Arizona
The National Weather Service issued 27 flood watches for Arizona in 2025 and 7 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 27th most of any state. 2026 through September: 35, 549% above the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Yavapai County Valleys and Basins was covered most often (34 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Arizona get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Arizona. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 35 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 44 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2009 | 0 |
| 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yavapai County Valleys and Basins | 34 | 18 | September 28, 2026 |
| Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons | 32 | 15 | September 28, 2026 |
| Upper Santa Cruz River and Altar Valleys including Nogales | 30 | 23 | September 28, 2026 |
| Grand Canyon Country | 30 | 17 | September 28, 2026 |
| Tucson Metro Area including Tucson/Green Valley/Marana/Vail | 28 | 20 | September 28, 2026 |
| Tonto Basin | 28 | 15 | September 29, 2026 |
| Northern Gila County | 28 | 13 | September 28, 2026 |
| Kaibab Plateau | 28 | 17 | September 28, 2026 |
| Upper San Pedro River Valley including Sierra Vista/Benson | 26 | 20 | September 28, 2026 |
| Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains including Mount Lemmon/Summerhaven | 26 | 18 | September 28, 2026 |
| Dragoon/Mule/Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains including Bisbee/Canelo Hills/Madera Canyon | 26 | 20 | September 28, 2026 |
| Coconino Plateau | 26 | 13 | September 28, 2026 |
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 flood watch?
A flood watch means conditions may lead to flooding in the coming day or days; it is not yet happening. 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.