National Weather ServiceColoradoHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in Colorado
The National Weather Service issued 22 high wind watches for Colorado in 2025 and 18 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 7th most of any state. 2026 through September: 13, 18% above the average of 11 for those months in 2008-2025. Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet was covered most often (82 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does Colorado get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of Colorado. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 13 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2022 | 39 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2012 | 18 |
| 2011 | 25 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2008 | 11 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larimer and Boulder Counties Between 6000 and 9000 Feet | 82 | 16 | March 12, 2026 |
| Walsenburg Vicinity/Upper Huerfano River Basin Below 7500 Ft | 78 | 24 | March 15, 2026 |
| Trinidad Vicinity/Western Las Animas County Below 7500 Ft | 71 | 23 | March 15, 2026 |
| Kit Carson County | 68 | 16 | March 15, 2026 |
| Southern Sangre De Cristo Mountains Above 11000 Ft | 66 | 16 | March 15, 2026 |
| Cheyenne County | 64 | 16 | March 15, 2026 |
| Jefferson and West Douglas Counties Above 6000 Feet/Gilpin/Clear Creek/Northeast Park Counties Below 9000 Feet | 62 | 14 | March 12, 2026 |
| Southern Sangre De Cristo Mountains Between 7500 and 11000 Ft | 62 | 17 | March 15, 2026 |
| Yuma County | 59 | 14 | March 15, 2026 |
| Eastern Las Animas County | 52 | 15 | March 15, 2026 |
| Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains above 11000 Ft | 52 | 14 | March 15, 2026 |
| Springfield Vicinity/Baca County | 52 | 16 | March 15, 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 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 Colorado.