National Weather ServiceMassachusettsRed Flag WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Red Flag Warnings in Massachusetts
The National Weather Service issued 0 red flag warnings for Massachusetts in 2025 and 5 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 32nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 0, 100% below the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Northwest Middlesex County was covered most often (50 times since 2008).
How many red flag warnings does Massachusetts get?
Every red flag warning that covered part of Massachusetts. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2008 | 5 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Middlesex County | 50 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Northern Worcester | 49 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Southern Worcester | 49 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Central Middlesex County | 47 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Eastern Hampden | 47 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Eastern Hampshire | 47 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Eastern Franklin | 45 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Western Hampden | 45 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Western Hampshire | 45 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Western Essex | 44 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Western Franklin | 43 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
| Eastern Essex | 41 | 13 | November 19, 2024 |
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 red flag warning?
A red flag warning means critical fire weather is happening or about to happen: strong wind, very low humidity and dry fuels together, so a fire that starts can spread fast. Each office sets the criteria with its land-management partners. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Massachusetts.