National Weather ServiceKentuckySevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Kentucky
The National Weather Service issued 24 severe thunderstorm watches for Kentucky in 2025 and 28 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 21st most of any state. 2026 through September: 41, 51% above the average of 27 for those months in 2008-2025. Nelson was covered most often (154 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Kentucky get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Kentucky. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 41 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2015 | 36 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2010 | 31 |
| 2009 | 44 |
| 2008 | 35 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson | 154 | 29 | August 12, 2026 |
| Larue | 151 | 30 | August 12, 2026 |
| Hart | 150 | 32 | August 22, 2026 |
| Campbell | 148 | 31 | August 11, 2026 |
| Hardin | 148 | 29 | August 12, 2026 |
| Marion | 148 | 29 | August 22, 2026 |
| Anderson | 147 | 27 | August 12, 2026 |
| Grayson | 147 | 29 | August 12, 2026 |
| Kenton | 147 | 31 | August 11, 2026 |
| Taylor | 147 | 28 | August 22, 2026 |
| Washington | 147 | 27 | August 12, 2026 |
| Green | 146 | 30 | August 22, 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 Kentucky.