National Weather ServicePennsylvaniaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Pennsylvania
The National Weather Service issued 35 winter storm watches for Pennsylvania in 2025 and 23 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 12th most of any state. 2026 through September: 15, in line with the average of 16 for those months in 2008-2025. Somerset was covered most often (83 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Pennsylvania get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Pennsylvania. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 15 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 33 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2011 | 32 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2009 | 25 |
| 2008 | 38 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset | 83 | 16 | February 22, 2026 |
| Carbon | 70 | 9 | February 22, 2026 |
| Monroe | 70 | 9 | February 22, 2026 |
| Southern Erie | 70 | 16 | March 17, 2026 |
| Cambria | 66 | 11 | February 22, 2026 |
| Northern Erie | 63 | 12 | February 23, 2026 |
| Bedford | 62 | 9 | February 22, 2026 |
| Pike | 61 | 10 | February 22, 2026 |
| Northern Wayne | 60 | 10 | February 22, 2026 |
| Southern Wayne | 60 | 10 | February 22, 2026 |
| Crawford | 59 | 12 | January 25, 2026 |
| Schuylkill | 59 | 9 | 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 Pennsylvania.