National Weather ServiceMassachusettsFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Massachusetts
The National Weather Service issued 13 flood watches for Massachusetts in 2025 and 11 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 41st most of any state. 2026 through September: 7, 18% below the average of 9 for those months in 2008-2025. Eastern Hampden was covered most often (87 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Massachusetts get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Massachusetts. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 7 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 22 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 28 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Hampden | 87 | 26 | July 28, 2026 |
| Southern Worcester | 82 | 29 | September 26, 2026 |
| Northern Bristol | 80 | 28 | September 26, 2026 |
| Southern Berkshire | 79 | 18 | July 28, 2026 |
| Northern Berkshire | 79 | 17 | July 28, 2026 |
| Western Plymouth | 78 | 25 | September 26, 2026 |
| Southern Bristol | 77 | 26 | September 26, 2026 |
| Northern Worcester | 76 | 28 | September 26, 2026 |
| Central Middlesex County | 76 | 23 | September 26, 2026 |
| Western Hampshire | 74 | 19 | July 28, 2026 |
| Western Hampden | 74 | 20 | July 28, 2026 |
| Southern Plymouth | 74 | 24 | September 26, 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 Massachusetts.