National Weather ServiceWashingtonFreeze WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Warnings in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 5 freeze warnings for Washington in 2025 and 10 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 35th most of any state. 2026 through September: 7, 20% above the average of 6 for those months in 2008-2025. Yakima Valley was covered most often (76 times since 2008).
How many freeze warnings does Washington get?
Every freeze warning that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 7 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2011 | 8 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2009 | 15 |
| 2008 | 11 |
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 Washington 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 Washington?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakima Valley | 76 | 13 | April 17, 2026 |
| Kittitas Valley | 60 | 16 | April 25, 2026 |
| Lower Columbia Basin of Washington | 46 | 8 | April 25, 2026 |
| Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington | 44 | 9 | April 25, 2026 |
| Simcoe Highlands | 28 | 4 | October 14, 2025 |
| Northeast Mountains | 27 | 3 | September 30, 2024 |
| Lower Garfield and Asotin Counties | 25 | 4 | April 25, 2026 |
| Moses Lake Area | 24 | 4 | April 25, 2026 |
| Okanogan Highlands | 22 | 2 | September 30, 2024 |
| Lower Columbia Basin | 17 | 0 | May 1, 2011 |
| Eastern Columbia River Gorge of Washington | 17 | 2 | November 19, 2025 |
| Wenatchee Area | 15 | 2 | April 17, 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 freeze warning?
A freeze warning means temperatures at or below 32°F are expected during the growing season, enough to kill crops and sensitive plants. Since 2024-2025 it also covers the colder nights that had a hard freeze warning of their own. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze warnings issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in Washington.