National Weather ServiceMichiganWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Michigan
The National Weather Service issued 23 winter storm watches for Michigan in 2025 and 24 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 16th most of any state. 2026 through September: 18, 10% above the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Marquette was covered most often (77 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Michigan get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Michigan. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 18 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 14 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2016 | 25 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2014 | 23 |
| 2013 | 28 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2008 | 72 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette | 77 | 20 | April 4, 2026 |
| Alger | 76 | 21 | April 4, 2026 |
| Ontonagon | 72 | 19 | April 4, 2026 |
| Northern Schoolcraft | 70 | 18 | April 4, 2026 |
| Gogebic | 69 | 18 | April 4, 2026 |
| Grand Traverse | 69 | 11 | March 15, 2026 |
| Otsego | 68 | 14 | April 2, 2026 |
| Baraga | 67 | 19 | April 4, 2026 |
| Benzie | 67 | 10 | March 15, 2026 |
| Kalkaska | 67 | 13 | March 15, 2026 |
| Leelanau | 67 | 10 | March 15, 2026 |
| Wexford | 67 | 11 | March 15, 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 Michigan.