National Weather ServiceCaliforniaHigh Wind WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Warnings in California
The National Weather Service issued 68 high wind warnings for California in 2025 and 70 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 22, 53% below the average of 47 for those months in 2008-2025. Los Angeles County Mountains excluding the Santa Monica Range was covered most often (171 times since 2008).
How many high wind warnings does California get?
Every high wind warning that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 22 |
| 2025 | 68 |
| 2024 | 78 |
| 2023 | 80 |
| 2022 | 75 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2019 | 76 |
| 2018 | 41 |
| 2017 | 81 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2015 | 46 |
| 2014 | 70 |
| 2013 | 68 |
| 2012 | 85 |
| 2011 | 80 |
| 2010 | 70 |
| 2009 | 66 |
| 2008 | 83 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County Mountains excluding the Santa Monica Range | 171 | 0 | April 5, 2022 |
| Ventura County Mountains | 162 | 5 | February 14, 2023 |
| San Bernardino County Mountains | 158 | 20 | February 11, 2026 |
| San Diego County Mountains | 136 | 11 | January 8, 2026 |
| Riverside County Mountains | 133 | 10 | January 23, 2025 |
| Central Siskiyou County | 128 | 28 | April 20, 2026 |
| Eastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo County | 113 | 8 | May 17, 2026 |
| Modoc County | 110 | 17 | December 24, 2025 |
| Santa Barbara County Mountains | 107 | 0 | April 5, 2022 |
| Owens Valley | 106 | 11 | May 11, 2025 |
| Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area | 106 | 0 | February 6, 2022 |
| Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills | 95 | 11 | January 23, 2025 |
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.
The latest high wind warnings for California in AreaZine's record
NWS Los Angeles/OxnardWarningMay 16, 2026
High Wind Warning: Western Antelope Valley Foothills and Antelope Valley, CA
Expired 11:00 p.m. PDT, May 17, 2026
NWS Las VegasWarningMay 15, 2026
High Wind Warning: Eastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo County, White Mountains of Inyo County, Death Valley National Park and 3 more, CA and NV
Expired 5:00 a.m. PDT, May 18, 2026
NWS HanfordWarningMay 15, 2026
High Wind Warning: Mojave Desert Slopes, CA
Expired 11:00 p.m. PDT, May 17, 2026
NWS Las VegasWarningApril 20, 2026
High Wind Warning: Death Valley National Park, CA
Expired 11:00 p.m. PDT, April 21, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
What is a high wind warning?
A high wind warning means sustained winds of 40 mph or more for an hour or longer, or gusts of 58 mph or more, in most offices; some mountain and coastal offices use higher values. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in California.