National Weather ServiceWisconsinRed Flag WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Red Flag Warnings in Wisconsin
The National Weather Service issued 7 red flag warnings for Wisconsin in 2025 and 3 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 37th most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 22% above the average of 3 for those months in 2008-2025. Burnett was covered most often (13 times since 2008).
How many red flag warnings does Wisconsin get?
Every red flag warning that covered part of Wisconsin. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 0 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2008 | 0 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnett | 13 | 5 | May 15, 2026 |
| Jackson | 12 | 4 | September 3, 2023 |
| Monroe | 12 | 4 | September 3, 2023 |
| Washburn | 12 | 5 | May 15, 2026 |
| Adams | 11 | 4 | September 3, 2023 |
| Douglas | 11 | 4 | May 15, 2026 |
| Juneau | 11 | 4 | September 3, 2023 |
| La Crosse | 11 | 4 | September 3, 2023 |
| Bayfield | 10 | 4 | May 15, 2026 |
| Sawyer | 10 | 4 | May 15, 2026 |
| Trempealeau | 10 | 4 | September 3, 2023 |
| Wood | 10 | 4 | September 3, 2023 |
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.
The latest red flag warnings for Wisconsin in AreaZine's record
NWS DuluthWarningMay 15, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland and 4 more, WI
Expired 9:00 p.m. CDT, May 15, 2026
NWS Twin Cities/ChanhassenWarningMay 14, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Polk, Barron and Rusk, WI
Expired 9:00 p.m. CDT, May 15, 2026
NWS Green BayWarningMay 14, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Vilas, WI
Expired 9:00 p.m. CDT, May 15, 2026
NWS DuluthWarningApril 22, 2026
Red Flag Warning: Burnett and Washburn, WI
Expired 8:00 p.m. CDT, April 22, 2026
This list is AreaZine's record of the NWS alert feed, kept since April 6, 2026; the counts above come from the complete IEM archive.
Source: National Weather Service alerts (api.weather.gov).
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 Wisconsin.