National Weather ServiceMassachusettsSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Massachusetts
The National Weather Service issued 6 severe thunderstorm watches for Massachusetts in 2025 and 10 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 38th most of any state. 2026 through September: 7, 29% below the average of 10 for those months in 2008-2025. Berkshire was covered most often (146 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Massachusetts get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Massachusetts. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 7 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2019 | 10 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 13 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 18 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkshire | 146 | 25 | August 27, 2026 |
| Hampden | 125 | 19 | August 8, 2026 |
| Hampshire | 123 | 18 | August 8, 2026 |
| Franklin | 120 | 17 | August 8, 2026 |
| Worcester | 110 | 19 | August 8, 2026 |
| Middlesex | 89 | 14 | September 6, 2025 |
| Essex | 73 | 13 | September 6, 2025 |
| Suffolk | 65 | 12 | September 6, 2025 |
| Norfolk | 64 | 11 | September 6, 2025 |
| Bristol | 53 | 9 | July 25, 2025 |
| Plymouth | 53 | 9 | July 25, 2025 |
| Barnstable | 20 | 3 | July 25, 2025 |
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 Massachusetts.