National Weather ServiceWashingtonHigh Wind WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
High Wind Watches in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 10 high wind watches for Washington in 2025 and 17 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 12th most of any state. 2026 through September: 2, 77% below the average of 9 for those months in 2008-2025. South Washington Coast was covered most often (132 times since 2008).
How many high wind watches does Washington get?
Every high wind watch that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 2 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2017 | 12 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2014 | 31 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2012 | 33 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2008 | 16 |
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 Washington 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 Washington?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Washington Coast | 132 | 7 | February 24, 2025 |
| Central Coast | 77 | 3 | February 24, 2025 |
| North Coast | 77 | 3 | February 24, 2025 |
| San Juan County | 71 | 3 | December 24, 2025 |
| Admiralty Inlet Area | 67 | 3 | December 26, 2024 |
| Western Whatcom County | 67 | 1 | December 26, 2024 |
| Western Skagit County | 63 | 1 | December 26, 2024 |
| Willapa Hills | 40 | 3 | February 24, 2025 |
| Everett and Vicinity | 21 | 0 | November 5, 2022 |
| Moses Lake Area | 18 | 3 | March 12, 2026 |
| Waterville Plateau | 18 | 3 | March 12, 2026 |
| Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington | 17 | 5 | March 12, 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 Washington.