National Weather ServiceNebraskaHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in Nebraska
The National Weather Service issued 30 high wind watches for Nebraska in 2025 and 14 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 8th most of any state. 2026 through September: 18, 113% above the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Kimball was covered most often (81 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does Nebraska get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of Nebraska. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 18 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2015 | 7 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2011 | 18 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2008 | 7 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kimball | 81 | 20 | April 23, 2026 |
| Banner | 80 | 18 | April 23, 2026 |
| Cheyenne | 73 | 19 | April 23, 2026 |
| Scotts Bluff | 72 | 16 | April 23, 2026 |
| Morrill | 64 | 13 | April 23, 2026 |
| Box Butte | 62 | 15 | April 23, 2026 |
| South Sioux | 61 | 16 | April 23, 2026 |
| Dundy | 55 | 12 | March 15, 2026 |
| Dawes | 53 | 14 | March 15, 2026 |
| North Sioux | 53 | 16 | March 15, 2026 |
| Hitchcock | 47 | 10 | March 15, 2026 |
| Keith | 40 | 9 | 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 Nebraska.