National Weather ServiceMassachusettsHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in Massachusetts
The National Weather Service issued 8 high wind watches for Massachusetts in 2025 and 7 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 20th most of any state. 2026 through September: 3, 22% below the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Nantucket was covered most often (99 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does Massachusetts get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of Massachusetts. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 3 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2008 | 8 |
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 | 99 | 14 | September 25, 2026 |
| Barnstable | 95 | 14 | September 25, 2026 |
| Dukes | 93 | 14 | September 25, 2026 |
| Eastern Plymouth | 63 | 10 | September 25, 2026 |
| Southern Plymouth | 60 | 9 | September 25, 2026 |
| Southern Bristol | 57 | 9 | September 25, 2026 |
| Eastern Essex | 52 | 10 | September 25, 2026 |
| Eastern Norfolk | 52 | 10 | September 25, 2026 |
| Suffolk | 47 | 10 | September 25, 2026 |
| Western Plymouth | 46 | 7 | March 16, 2026 |
| Northern Bristol | 42 | 6 | March 16, 2026 |
| Western Norfolk | 38 | 6 | March 16, 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 Massachusetts.