National Weather ServiceMinnesotaFlood WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Flood Watches in Minnesota
The National Weather Service issued 20 flood watches for Minnesota in 2025 and 20 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 25th most of any state. 2026 through September: 20, 7% above the average of 19 for those months in 2008-2025. Clay was covered most often (70 times since 2008).
How many flood watches does Minnesota get?
Every flood watch that covered part of Minnesota. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 20 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2024 | 50 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2019 | 18 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2013 | 41 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2011 | 37 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2008 | 13 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay | 70 | 13 | September 28, 2026 |
| Dakota | 35 | 8 | August 18, 2025 |
| Wabasha | 34 | 15 | September 19, 2026 |
| Scott | 34 | 7 | August 18, 2025 |
| Houston | 33 | 15 | September 19, 2026 |
| Carver | 31 | 7 | August 18, 2025 |
| Winona | 30 | 12 | September 19, 2026 |
| West Polk | 30 | 2 | July 4, 2025 |
| Blue Earth | 30 | 8 | July 31, 2026 |
| Mower | 29 | 15 | September 19, 2026 |
| Hennepin | 29 | 7 | August 18, 2025 |
| Wilkin | 28 | 8 | July 8, 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 Minnesota.