National Weather ServiceWashingtonWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Washington
The National Weather Service issued 13 winter storm watches for Washington in 2025 and 34 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 8th most of any state. 2026 through September: 13, 32% below the average of 19 for those months in 2008-2025. South Washington Cascades was covered most often (111 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Washington get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Washington. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 13 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2024 | 44 |
| 2023 | 31 |
| 2022 | 33 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2019 | 36 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2017 | 29 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2015 | 28 |
| 2014 | 36 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2011 | 33 |
| 2010 | 34 |
| 2009 | 50 |
| 2008 | 54 |
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 Washington 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 Washington?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Washington Cascades | 111 | 23 | April 15, 2026 |
| Northeast Mountains | 99 | 4 | October 12, 2025 |
| Olympics | 83 | 8 | March 12, 2026 |
| East Slopes Northern Cascades | 80 | 0 | February 25, 2021 |
| West Slopes South Central Cascades and Passes | 79 | 14 | January 31, 2025 |
| West Slopes North Cascades and Passes | 78 | 15 | January 31, 2025 |
| West Slopes Northern Cascades and Passes | 78 | 0 | March 16, 2014 |
| Okanogan Highlands | 75 | 6 | October 12, 2025 |
| West Slopes North Central Cascades and Passes | 74 | 16 | January 31, 2025 |
| Northwest Blue Mountains | 72 | 11 | January 6, 2026 |
| West Slopes Central Cascades and Passes | 70 | 0 | March 2, 2014 |
| East Slopes of the Washington Cascades | 53 | 3 | February 20, 2023 |
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 Washington.