National Weather ServiceMontanaLake Wind AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Lake Wind Advisories in Montana
The National Weather Service issued 52 lake wind advisories for Montana in 2025 and 60 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 49, 11% above the average of 44 for those months in 2008-2025. Central and Southern Valley was covered most often (953 times since 2008).
How many lake wind advisories does Montana get?
Every lake wind advisory that covered part of Montana. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 49 |
| 2025 | 52 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2021 | 62 |
| 2020 | 60 |
| 2019 | 57 |
| 2018 | 42 |
| 2017 | 67 |
| 2016 | 61 |
| 2015 | 64 |
| 2014 | 59 |
| 2013 | 55 |
| 2012 | 67 |
| 2011 | 79 |
| 2010 | 65 |
| 2009 | 71 |
| 2008 | 55 |
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 Montana 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 Montana?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central and Southern Valley | 953 | 166 | September 25, 2026 |
| Garfield | 949 | 166 | September 25, 2026 |
| McCone | 948 | 167 | September 25, 2026 |
| Central and Southeast Phillips | 838 | 166 | September 25, 2026 |
| Petroleum | 808 | 166 | September 25, 2026 |
| Flathead/Mission Valleys | 176 | 28 | August 13, 2026 |
| Southwest Phillips | 28 | 18 | April 24, 2026 |
| Western Roosevelt | 1 | 0 | July 14, 2010 |
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 lake wind advisory?
A lake wind advisory means winds strong enough to make small boats on inland lakes unsafe. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in Montana.