National Weather ServiceVirginiaFreeze WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Freeze Watches in Virginia
The National Weather Service issued 11 freeze watches for Virginia in 2025 and 14 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 7th most of any state. 2026 through September: 11, 39% above the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Rockingham was covered most often (61 times since 2008).
How many freeze watches does Virginia get?
Every freeze watch that covered part of Virginia. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 11 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2016 | 29 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2013 | 8 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2008 | 6 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockingham | 61 | 14 | April 21, 2026 |
| Page | 60 | 15 | April 21, 2026 |
| Augusta | 59 | 14 | April 21, 2026 |
| Shenandoah | 58 | 14 | April 21, 2026 |
| Frederick | 51 | 10 | April 21, 2026 |
| Clarke | 51 | 10 | April 21, 2026 |
| Warren | 50 | 10 | April 21, 2026 |
| Washington | 40 | 7 | November 1, 2023 |
| Rockbridge | 40 | 6 | April 21, 2026 |
| Lee | 39 | 7 | November 1, 2023 |
| Scott | 38 | 7 | November 1, 2023 |
| Western Highland | 36 | 8 | May 12, 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 Virginia.