National Weather ServiceArkansasSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Arkansas
The National Weather Service issued 42 severe thunderstorm watches for Arkansas in 2025 and 37 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 8th most of any state. 2026 through September: 36, in line with the average of 35 for those months in 2008-2025. Washington was covered most often (201 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Arkansas get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Arkansas. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 36 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2023 | 58 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2021 | 25 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2019 | 35 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2017 | 40 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2011 | 56 |
| 2010 | 27 |
| 2009 | 70 |
| 2008 | 56 |
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 201 | 49 | August 26, 2026 |
| Crawford | 197 | 46 | August 26, 2026 |
| Sebastian | 195 | 41 | August 26, 2026 |
| Franklin | 192 | 40 | August 26, 2026 |
| Benton | 190 | 47 | June 26, 2026 |
| Madison | 190 | 46 | August 26, 2026 |
| Carroll | 180 | 43 | August 26, 2026 |
| Montgomery | 175 | 41 | August 26, 2026 |
| Scott | 175 | 43 | August 26, 2026 |
| Logan | 174 | 41 | August 26, 2026 |
| Yell | 173 | 39 | August 26, 2026 |
| Pope | 172 | 40 | August 26, 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 Arkansas.