National Weather ServiceNebraskaSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Nebraska
The National Weather Service issued 67 severe thunderstorm watches for Nebraska in 2025 and 60 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 83, 42% above the average of 59 for those months in 2008-2025. Lincoln was covered most often (288 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Nebraska get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Nebraska. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 83 |
| 2025 | 67 |
| 2024 | 79 |
| 2023 | 66 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2021 | 52 |
| 2020 | 52 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2017 | 41 |
| 2016 | 58 |
| 2015 | 40 |
| 2014 | 58 |
| 2013 | 58 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2011 | 64 |
| 2010 | 82 |
| 2009 | 74 |
| 2008 | 70 |
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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | 288 | 78 | September 1, 2026 |
| McPherson | 286 | 69 | August 27, 2026 |
| Cherry | 281 | 63 | August 27, 2026 |
| Arthur | 274 | 68 | August 27, 2026 |
| Grant | 274 | 64 | August 27, 2026 |
| Logan | 274 | 65 | September 1, 2026 |
| Hooker | 273 | 58 | August 27, 2026 |
| Thomas | 273 | 57 | August 27, 2026 |
| Keith | 272 | 70 | September 5, 2026 |
| Garden | 259 | 72 | September 5, 2026 |
| Dundy | 258 | 70 | August 28, 2026 |
| Hayes | 255 | 70 | August 27, 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 Nebraska.