National Weather ServiceIdahoHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in Idaho
The National Weather Service issued 4 high wind watches for Idaho in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 21st most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 18% above the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Lower Snake River Plain was covered most often (33 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does Idaho get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of Idaho. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2010 | 5 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2008 | 4 |
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 Idaho 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 Idaho?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Snake River Plain | 33 | 5 | March 12, 2026 |
| Upper Snake River Plain | 32 | 6 | March 12, 2026 |
| Eastern Magic Valley | 28 | 4 | March 12, 2026 |
| Coeur d'Alene Area | 18 | 2 | March 12, 2026 |
| Idaho Palouse | 17 | 2 | March 12, 2026 |
| Arco/Mud Lake Desert | 15 | 6 | March 12, 2026 |
| Owyhee Mountains | 12 | 4 | March 14, 2026 |
| South Central Highlands | 12 | 0 | April 12, 2018 |
| Upper Treasure Valley | 12 | 2 | March 14, 2026 |
| Raft River Region | 11 | 4 | March 12, 2026 |
| Shoshone/Lava Beds | 11 | 4 | March 12, 2026 |
| Southwest Highlands | 11 | 4 | March 14, 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 Idaho.