National Weather ServiceMontanaSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Montana
The National Weather Service issued 18 severe thunderstorm watches for Montana in 2025 and 19 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 31st most of any state. 2026 through September: 21, 11% above the average of 19 for those months in 2008-2025. Carter was covered most often (171 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Montana get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Montana. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 21 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2019 | 20 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2014 | 21 |
| 2013 | 28 |
| 2012 | 17 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2010 | 29 |
| 2009 | 19 |
| 2008 | 29 |
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 Montana 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 Montana?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carter | 171 | 37 | August 30, 2026 |
| Custer | 158 | 36 | August 30, 2026 |
| Powder River | 157 | 32 | August 30, 2026 |
| Fallon | 155 | 35 | August 30, 2026 |
| Wibaux | 146 | 30 | August 30, 2026 |
| Rosebud | 145 | 35 | August 23, 2026 |
| Prairie | 143 | 32 | August 30, 2026 |
| Dawson | 139 | 29 | August 30, 2026 |
| Richland | 135 | 25 | August 30, 2026 |
| Garfield | 131 | 31 | August 23, 2026 |
| McCone | 125 | 25 | August 30, 2026 |
| Roosevelt | 119 | 20 | August 30, 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 Montana.