National Weather ServiceWisconsinTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Wisconsin
The National Weather Service issued 9 tornado watches for Wisconsin in 2025 and 8 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 22nd most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 20% above the average of 8 for those months in 2008-2025. Green was covered most often (63 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Wisconsin get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Wisconsin. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2008 | 18 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green | 63 | 15 | June 17, 2026 |
| Lafayette | 59 | 14 | June 17, 2026 |
| Rock | 59 | 14 | June 17, 2026 |
| Iowa | 57 | 13 | June 17, 2026 |
| Dane | 54 | 12 | June 17, 2026 |
| Grant | 54 | 12 | July 20, 2026 |
| Walworth | 53 | 16 | June 17, 2026 |
| Crawford | 50 | 13 | July 20, 2026 |
| Jefferson | 50 | 12 | June 17, 2026 |
| Richland | 50 | 14 | July 20, 2026 |
| Vernon | 50 | 11 | July 20, 2026 |
| Buffalo | 48 | 7 | April 17, 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 tornado watch?
Tornado watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when thunderstorms able to produce tornadoes are possible over a large area, usually for several hours; local offices list the counties it covers. 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.