National Weather ServiceArizonaHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in Arizona
The National Weather Service issued 1 high wind watches for Arizona in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 23rd most of any state. 2026 through September: 2, 51% below the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County was covered most often (32 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does Arizona get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of Arizona. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2012 | 8 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2009 | 9 |
| 2008 | 3 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County | 32 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County | 29 | 5 | February 18, 2026 |
| White Mountains | 28 | 6 | February 18, 2026 |
| Lake Mead National Recreation Area | 26 | 5 | January 7, 2025 |
| Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264 | 26 | 5 | February 18, 2026 |
| Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County | 25 | 5 | February 18, 2026 |
| Northwest Deserts | 23 | 3 | May 4, 2024 |
| Northwest Plateau | 23 | 4 | May 4, 2024 |
| Chuska Mountains and Defiance Plateau | 21 | 3 | May 5, 2024 |
| Eastern Mogollon Rim | 21 | 3 | May 5, 2024 |
| Lake Havasu and Fort Mohave | 20 | 6 | May 17, 2026 |
| Western Mogollon Rim | 18 | 3 | May 5, 2024 |
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 wind watch?
A high wind watch means winds reaching high wind warning values are possible. 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. The national record · Every warning type in Arizona.