National Weather ServiceColoradoSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Colorado
The National Weather Service issued 40 severe thunderstorm watches for Colorado in 2025 and 28 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 12th most of any state. 2026 through September: 38, 37% above the average of 28 for those months in 2008-2025. Cheyenne was covered most often (274 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Colorado get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Colorado. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 38 |
| 2025 | 40 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2020 | 21 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2018 | 33 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2016 | 22 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2014 | 31 |
| 2013 | 30 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2011 | 32 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2009 | 36 |
| 2008 | 27 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | 274 | 81 | September 21, 2026 |
| Kit Carson | 274 | 81 | September 21, 2026 |
| Yuma | 265 | 76 | August 22, 2026 |
| Washington | 242 | 70 | August 26, 2026 |
| Logan | 234 | 73 | September 5, 2026 |
| Prowers | 230 | 70 | September 21, 2026 |
| Kiowa | 225 | 70 | September 21, 2026 |
| Baca | 218 | 62 | August 16, 2026 |
| Sedgwick | 215 | 64 | September 5, 2026 |
| Lincoln | 214 | 66 | September 21, 2026 |
| Phillips | 214 | 63 | September 5, 2026 |
| Bent | 213 | 62 | September 21, 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 Colorado.