National Weather ServiceAlabamaSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Alabama
The National Weather Service issued 21 severe thunderstorm watches for Alabama in 2025 and 18 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 20th most of any state. 2026 through September: 13, 24% below the average of 17 for those months in 2008-2025. Bibb was covered most often (117 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Alabama get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Alabama. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 13 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2023 | 45 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2012 | 24 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2009 | 24 |
| 2008 | 20 |
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 Alabama 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 Alabama?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bibb | 117 | 25 | July 1, 2026 |
| Tuscaloosa | 116 | 29 | July 1, 2026 |
| Greene | 115 | 28 | August 20, 2026 |
| Fayette | 114 | 32 | July 1, 2026 |
| Walker | 114 | 32 | July 1, 2026 |
| Pickens | 113 | 30 | August 20, 2026 |
| Shelby | 113 | 28 | July 1, 2026 |
| Sumter | 112 | 28 | August 20, 2026 |
| Hale | 111 | 25 | July 1, 2026 |
| Talladega | 111 | 30 | July 1, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 110 | 27 | July 1, 2026 |
| Lamar | 110 | 33 | August 20, 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 severe thunderstorm watch?
Severe thunderstorm watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when storms with large hail or damaging winds are possible over a large area for several hours. 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 Alabama.