National Weather ServicePennsylvaniaSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Pennsylvania
The National Weather Service issued 33 severe thunderstorm watches for Pennsylvania in 2025 and 33 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 9th most of any state. 2026 through September: 54, 73% above the average of 31 for those months in 2008-2025. York was covered most often (222 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Pennsylvania get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Pennsylvania. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 54 |
| 2025 | 33 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2021 | 49 |
| 2020 | 33 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2017 | 32 |
| 2016 | 16 |
| 2015 | 24 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2013 | 38 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2011 | 53 |
| 2010 | 45 |
| 2009 | 29 |
| 2008 | 33 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| York | 222 | 54 | September 3, 2026 |
| Chester | 220 | 57 | September 4, 2026 |
| Montgomery | 219 | 56 | September 1, 2026 |
| Bucks | 217 | 56 | September 1, 2026 |
| Adams | 216 | 52 | September 3, 2026 |
| Lancaster | 215 | 52 | September 3, 2026 |
| Philadelphia | 213 | 56 | September 1, 2026 |
| Delaware | 211 | 55 | September 1, 2026 |
| Dauphin | 205 | 50 | September 3, 2026 |
| Berks | 204 | 52 | September 1, 2026 |
| Lehigh | 204 | 53 | September 1, 2026 |
| Lebanon | 202 | 48 | 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 Pennsylvania.