National Weather ServiceKansasSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Kansas
The National Weather Service issued 64 severe thunderstorm watches for Kansas in 2025 and 71 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 2nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 81, 19% above the average of 68 for those months in 2008-2025. Wallace was covered most often (276 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Kansas get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Kansas. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 81 |
| 2025 | 64 |
| 2024 | 90 |
| 2023 | 92 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2021 | 59 |
| 2020 | 55 |
| 2019 | 99 |
| 2018 | 54 |
| 2017 | 70 |
| 2016 | 57 |
| 2015 | 57 |
| 2014 | 75 |
| 2013 | 72 |
| 2012 | 52 |
| 2011 | 75 |
| 2010 | 87 |
| 2009 | 77 |
| 2008 | 86 |
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 Kansas 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 Kansas?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace | 276 | 76 | September 21, 2026 |
| Cheyenne | 272 | 73 | August 28, 2026 |
| Logan | 272 | 73 | September 21, 2026 |
| Sherman | 270 | 74 | September 21, 2026 |
| Butler | 268 | 56 | September 19, 2026 |
| Marion | 267 | 43 | September 19, 2026 |
| Thomas | 267 | 74 | September 19, 2026 |
| Rawlins | 263 | 74 | August 28, 2026 |
| Cowley | 256 | 54 | July 4, 2026 |
| Greenwood | 256 | 44 | June 21, 2026 |
| Sumner | 251 | 59 | September 19, 2026 |
| McPherson | 250 | 48 | September 19, 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 Kansas.