National Weather ServiceMichiganSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Michigan
The National Weather Service issued 12 severe thunderstorm watches for Michigan in 2025 and 16 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 32nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 28, 76% above the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Hillsdale was covered most often (135 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Michigan get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Michigan. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 28 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2020 | 20 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2012 | 20 |
| 2011 | 28 |
| 2010 | 23 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 24 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsdale | 135 | 33 | September 3, 2026 |
| Branch | 132 | 30 | August 11, 2026 |
| Calhoun | 132 | 31 | September 3, 2026 |
| Jackson | 131 | 31 | September 3, 2026 |
| St. Joseph | 128 | 29 | August 11, 2026 |
| Ingham | 125 | 27 | September 3, 2026 |
| Kalamazoo | 124 | 29 | August 9, 2026 |
| Eaton | 123 | 29 | September 3, 2026 |
| Barry | 121 | 26 | August 9, 2026 |
| Cass | 118 | 26 | August 11, 2026 |
| Lenawee | 118 | 24 | September 3, 2026 |
| Washtenaw | 117 | 21 | September 3, 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 Michigan.