National Weather ServiceWisconsinSevere Thunderstorm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Severe Thunderstorm Watches in Wisconsin
The National Weather Service issued 19 severe thunderstorm watches for Wisconsin in 2025 and 25 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 19th most of any state. 2026 through September: 37, 49% above the average of 25 for those months in 2008-2025. Rock was covered most often (147 times since 2008).
How many severe thunderstorm watches does Wisconsin get?
Every severe thunderstorm watch that covered part of Wisconsin. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 37 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 23 |
| 2017 | 30 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2015 | 15 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2012 | 34 |
| 2011 | 39 |
| 2010 | 29 |
| 2009 | 17 |
| 2008 | 32 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock | 147 | 33 | August 21, 2026 |
| Walworth | 147 | 32 | August 21, 2026 |
| Grant | 144 | 28 | August 21, 2026 |
| Green | 141 | 28 | August 21, 2026 |
| Trempealeau | 140 | 26 | September 2, 2026 |
| Lafayette | 139 | 29 | August 21, 2026 |
| Crawford | 138 | 24 | August 18, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 138 | 30 | August 21, 2026 |
| Waukesha | 138 | 32 | August 18, 2026 |
| Kenosha | 137 | 31 | August 21, 2026 |
| Jackson | 136 | 25 | September 2, 2026 |
| Racine | 136 | 30 | August 18, 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 Wisconsin.