National Weather ServiceArizonaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Arizona
The National Weather Service issued 2 winter storm watches for Arizona in 2025 and 8 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 40th most of any state. 2026 through September: 4, 21% below the average of 5 for those months in 2008-2025. Eastern Mogollon Rim was covered most often (43 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Arizona get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Arizona. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2010 | 19 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2008 | 17 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mogollon Rim | 43 | 10 | February 20, 2026 |
| Western Mogollon Rim | 43 | 10 | February 20, 2026 |
| White Mountains | 43 | 9 | January 23, 2026 |
| Kaibab Plateau | 38 | 9 | February 20, 2026 |
| Coconino Plateau | 32 | 6 | March 31, 2024 |
| Grand Canyon Country | 31 | 6 | March 31, 2024 |
| White Mountains of Graham and Greenlee Counties including Hannagan Meadow | 29 | 5 | January 23, 2026 |
| Northern Gila County | 28 | 5 | March 31, 2024 |
| Northwest Plateau | 28 | 3 | January 27, 2025 |
| Yavapai County Mountains | 27 | 3 | March 1, 2023 |
| Galiuro and Pinaleno Mountains including Mount Graham | 26 | 3 | January 23, 2026 |
| Northwest Deserts | 26 | 2 | January 27, 2025 |
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 winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. 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 Arizona.