National Weather ServiceRhode IslandSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Rhode Island
The National Weather Service issued 4 severe thunderstorm watches for Rhode Island in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 42nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 2, 46% below the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Providence was covered most often (70 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Rhode Island get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Rhode Island. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 2 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2008 | 8 |
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 70 | 12 | August 8, 2026 |
| Kent | 60 | 11 | July 4, 2026 |
| Washington | 50 | 10 | July 4, 2026 |
| Bristol | 49 | 9 | July 4, 2026 |
| Newport | 49 | 9 | July 4, 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 Rhode Island.