National Weather ServiceMassachusettsWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Massachusetts
The National Weather Service issued 8 winter storm watches for Massachusetts in 2025 and 13 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 31st most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 39% below the average of 10 for those months in 2008-2025. Northern Worcester was covered most often (99 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Massachusetts get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Massachusetts. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2018 | 16 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2014 | 17 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2011 | 15 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2009 | 17 |
| 2008 | 22 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Worcester | 99 | 13 | February 22, 2026 |
| Northwest Middlesex County | 97 | 13 | February 22, 2026 |
| Western Franklin | 97 | 15 | February 22, 2026 |
| Western Hampshire | 97 | 15 | February 22, 2026 |
| Western Hampden | 93 | 13 | February 22, 2026 |
| Eastern Franklin | 91 | 12 | February 22, 2026 |
| Northern Berkshire | 91 | 15 | February 22, 2026 |
| Southern Worcester | 88 | 10 | February 22, 2026 |
| Southern Berkshire | 86 | 13 | February 22, 2026 |
| Western Essex | 86 | 12 | February 22, 2026 |
| Central Middlesex County | 85 | 11 | February 22, 2026 |
| Eastern Hampshire | 83 | 11 | February 22, 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 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 Massachusetts.