National Weather ServiceCaliforniaFreeze WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Watches in California
The National Weather Service issued 17 freeze watches for California in 2025 and 33 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 1st most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 58% below the average of 14 for those months in 2008-2025. Antelope Valley was covered most often (62 times since 2008).
How many freeze watches does California get?
Every freeze watch that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2024 | 38 |
| 2023 | 50 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2021 | 40 |
| 2020 | 45 |
| 2019 | 40 |
| 2018 | 34 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2015 | 45 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2013 | 42 |
| 2012 | 29 |
| 2011 | 25 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2008 | 15 |
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 California 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 California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antelope Valley | 62 | 10 | December 5, 2025 |
| Northeast Siskiyou and Northwest Modoc Counties | 50 | 7 | September 7, 2026 |
| Northeastern Mendocino Interior | 47 | 11 | March 7, 2025 |
| Central Siskiyou County | 47 | 7 | October 24, 2024 |
| Northwestern Mendocino Interior | 45 | 10 | March 7, 2025 |
| Ventura County Interior Valleys | 44 | 0 | February 25, 2022 |
| Santa Ynez Valley | 44 | 5 | January 9, 2026 |
| San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys | 43 | 8 | December 5, 2025 |
| West-Central San Joaquin Valley | 41 | 0 | February 23, 2019 |
| Southwestern San Joaquin Valley | 41 | 0 | February 23, 2019 |
| Southeastern San Joaquin Valley | 41 | 0 | February 23, 2019 |
| East-Central San Joaquin Valley | 41 | 0 | February 23, 2019 |
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 watch?
A freeze watch means temperatures at or below 32°F are possible during the growing season. 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. AreaZine's counts include the hard freeze watches issued before the change. The national record · Every warning type in California.