National Weather ServiceCaliforniaWinter Weather AdvisoryArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Weather Advisories in California
The National Weather Service issued 90 winter weather advisories for California in 2025 and 128 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 4th most of any state. 2026 through September: 35, 59% below the average of 85 for those months in 2008-2025. West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada was covered most often (291 times since 2008).
How many winter weather advisories does California get?
Every winter weather advisory that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 35 |
| 2025 | 90 |
| 2024 | 166 |
| 2023 | 148 |
| 2022 | 86 |
| 2021 | 146 |
| 2020 | 113 |
| 2019 | 195 |
| 2018 | 120 |
| 2017 | 114 |
| 2016 | 137 |
| 2015 | 105 |
| 2014 | 88 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2012 | 158 |
| 2011 | 168 |
| 2010 | 208 |
| 2009 | 126 |
| 2008 | 60 |
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 California 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 California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada | 291 | 43 | April 1, 2026 |
| Western Plumas County/Lassen Park | 258 | 39 | February 10, 2026 |
| Western Siskiyou County | 258 | 47 | April 20, 2026 |
| South Central Siskiyou County | 257 | 37 | April 20, 2026 |
| Greater Lake Tahoe Area | 252 | 56 | April 21, 2026 |
| North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County | 247 | 29 | February 22, 2026 |
| Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties | 207 | 46 | April 11, 2026 |
| Modoc County | 191 | 35 | April 2, 2026 |
| Mono | 167 | 40 | April 21, 2026 |
| Central Siskiyou County | 157 | 23 | April 20, 2026 |
| San Bernardino County Mountains | 131 | 24 | November 17, 2025 |
| Shasta Lake Area / Northern Shasta County | 131 | 14 | February 4, 2025 |
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 weather advisory?
A winter weather advisory covers snow, sleet or freezing rain that will be a nuisance and can make roads slippery, below warning amounts. An advisory is issued for a hazard less serious than a warning that can still cause inconvenience or danger if people are not careful. The national record · Every warning type in California.