National Weather ServiceMassachusettsHigh Surf AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
High Surf Advisories in Massachusetts
The National Weather Service issued 2 high surf advisories for Massachusetts in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 16th most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 39% below the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Nantucket was covered most often (93 times since 2008).
How many high surf advisories does Massachusetts get?
Every high surf advisory that covered part of Massachusetts. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2010 | 6 |
| 2009 | 8 |
| 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nantucket | 93 | 16 | September 25, 2026 |
| Dukes | 79 | 13 | September 25, 2026 |
| Barnstable | 69 | 16 | September 25, 2026 |
| Southern Bristol | 63 | 11 | July 22, 2026 |
| Eastern Essex | 35 | 9 | September 25, 2026 |
| Eastern Plymouth | 31 | 9 | September 25, 2026 |
| Southern Plymouth | 15 | 7 | July 22, 2026 |
| Eastern Norfolk | 13 | 5 | September 25, 2026 |
| Suffolk | 12 | 5 | September 25, 2026 |
| Southeast Middlesex | 1 | 0 | June 8, 2013 |
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 high surf advisory?
A high surf advisory means large, dangerous breaking waves and strong currents along the shore. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in Massachusetts.