National Weather ServiceMichiganFreeze WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Watches in Michigan
The National Weather Service issued 4 freeze watches for Michigan in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 36th most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 195% above the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Hillsdale was covered most often (23 times since 2008).
How many freeze watches does Michigan get?
Every freeze watch that covered part of Michigan. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2008 | 5 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsdale | 23 | 3 | May 2, 2026 |
| Branch | 23 | 3 | May 2, 2026 |
| St. Joseph | 22 | 3 | May 2, 2026 |
| Cass | 21 | 3 | May 2, 2026 |
| Newaygo | 17 | 2 | May 2, 2026 |
| Osceola | 16 | 2 | May 2, 2026 |
| Oceana | 16 | 2 | May 2, 2026 |
| Lake | 16 | 1 | May 2, 2026 |
| Clare | 16 | 2 | May 2, 2026 |
| Berrien | 16 | 0 | April 21, 2021 |
| Montcalm | 15 | 3 | May 2, 2026 |
| Mecosta | 15 | 2 | May 2, 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 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 Michigan.