National Weather ServiceWisconsinWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in Wisconsin
The National Weather Service issued 30 winter storm watches for Wisconsin in 2025 and 27 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 10th most of any state. 2026 through September: 14, 27% below the average of 19 for those months in 2008-2025. Bayfield was covered most often (94 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does Wisconsin get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of Wisconsin. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 14 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2023 | 38 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2019 | 45 |
| 2018 | 38 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2014 | 29 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2012 | 21 |
| 2011 | 30 |
| 2010 | 21 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2008 | 49 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayfield | 94 | 21 | April 3, 2026 |
| Iron | 94 | 18 | April 3, 2026 |
| Ashland | 91 | 17 | April 3, 2026 |
| Douglas | 91 | 21 | April 3, 2026 |
| Sawyer | 78 | 16 | April 3, 2026 |
| Price | 75 | 16 | April 3, 2026 |
| Washburn | 75 | 15 | April 3, 2026 |
| Rusk | 73 | 16 | April 2, 2026 |
| Barron | 71 | 15 | April 2, 2026 |
| Burnett | 71 | 13 | April 3, 2026 |
| Jackson | 71 | 15 | March 15, 2026 |
| Clark | 70 | 16 | April 2, 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 Wisconsin.