This report provides an agricultural weather overview by region for the United States at the close of August. For precise, up-to-the-minute observations from the last 24 hours and location-specific 7-day forecasts, consult official National Weather Service resources and local extension advisories. Links to authoritative tools are listed at the end of this article.

Recent Conditions: What Producers Should Review From the Last 24 Hours

End-of-August weather typically features strong late-season heat in the Southern Plains and lower deserts, a wavering frontal boundary across the central U.S. that can trigger scattered thunderstorms, lingering monsoon moisture in parts of the Southwest, and occasional onshore flow and coastal drizzle in the Pacific Northwest. Tropical systems in the Atlantic basin are also near their seasonal peak, and any Gulf or Southeast moisture surges can quickly change field conditions.

For decisions on harvest timing, hay curing, fungicide intervals, and irrigation, verify the following for your county in the past day:

  • Rainfall totals and rainfall rates that may have caused ponding, lodging, or delayed field access.
  • Maximum temperatures and heat index for livestock stress and kernel fill sensitivity.
  • Nighttime lows and humidity affecting disease pressure in corn, soybeans, cotton, and specialty crops.
  • Wind gusts that could have damaged tassels, fruit clusters, or irrigation infrastructure.
  • Lightning and severe reports affecting safety and equipment.
  • Smoke/haze and air quality where wildfires are active, with potential impacts on labor and solar radiation for photosynthesis.

Seven-Day Agricultural Outlook: Regional Risks and Opportunities

The late-August to early-September transition often brings day-to-day variability. Use the following region-by-region guidance as a checklist of risks to monitor with your local forecast:

Northern Plains (Dakotas, Montana, northern Nebraska)

  • Harvest Windows: Brief, breezy, and low-humidity stretches are common; prepare to capitalize on short drying periods for small grains and pulses.
  • Thunderstorm Clusters: Watch for fast-moving MCS events along frontal boundaries that can bring localized heavy downpours and wind.
  • Cooler Nights: Late-week cool mornings can benefit small grain harvest quality but may slow crop maturation.

Upper Midwest and Corn Belt (MN/WI/IA/IL/IN/MI/OH/MO)

  • Frontal Waves: A meandering boundary can focus scattered storms. Expect uneven field moisture—check individual fields for trafficability before entering.
  • Disease Pressure: Warm, humid nights favor foliar diseases; scout corn and beans, especially following dewy mornings and light overnight showers.
  • Heat Bursts vs. Drying: Short heat pulses can accelerate grain fill but increase crop water use; monitor soil moisture and kernel/seed development.

Central and Southern Plains (KS/OK/TX)

  • Late-Season Heat: Anticipate periods of above-normal heat taxing sorghum, cotton, and pasture; adjust irrigation sets and provide livestock shade/water.
  • Storm Risk: Outflow boundaries from northern convection can spark isolated severe storms; secure equipment and ensure drainage is clear.
  • Rangeland: Monitor fire weather on dry, windy afternoons; avoid operations that create sparks.

Delta and Lower Mississippi Valley (AR/LA/MS/TN)

  • Tropical Moisture Watch: Any Gulf disturbances can rapidly enhance rainfall; verify 3– and 7–day QPF before harvest moves.
  • Humidity: High dewpoints prolong drying times for cotton bolls and grain; plan around midday windows with lower RH.
  • Mosquito Pressure: Post-rain standing water can spike pests; coordinate with local vector control and review worker protection measures.

Southeast (AL/GA/FL/SC/NC)

  • Daily Thunderstorms: Sea-breeze and inland convergence zones favor afternoon storms; schedule field work for mornings when feasible.
  • Tropical Threats: Peak season for tropical cyclones—track cones and rainfall forecasts closely for flood-prone fields and poultry/livestock operations.
  • Peanuts and Cotton: Humid nights can increase disease risk; align fungicide timings with expected dry breaks.

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast (VA/MD/PA/NJ/NY/New England)

  • Frontal Passages: Alternating humid and crisp air masses; manage hay and vegetable harvests around clear, breezy days after fronts.
  • Specialty Crops: Apple and grape quality sensitive to wetting events; monitor leaf wetness duration and plan canopy sprays accordingly.
  • Localized Flooding: Urban and small stream responses can be rapid with training storms; verify drainage around low-lying fields.

Southwest and Four Corners (AZ/NM/UT/CO)

  • Monsoon Pulses: Mountain storms with outflow winds and localized heavy rain; protect plastic mulch, drip lines, and sensitive acreage.
  • Heat Management: Hot, dry intervals still likely; prioritize irrigation efficiency during breezy afternoons to curb evaporative losses.
  • Flash Flooding: Burn scars and slot canyons particularly vulnerable—review ranch access routes.

California (Central Valley, coastal, and desert production)

  • Diurnal Swings: Inland heat with overnight cooling; irrigation timing around pre-dawn delivers better infiltration and efficiency.
  • Marine Influence: Coastal stratus can slow drying for leafy greens and berries; plan harvest for late morning when clouds lift.
  • Smoke/Haze: If present, may reduce solar radiation; monitor for impacts on sugar accumulation and labor safety.

Pacific Northwest (WA/OR/ID)

  • Dry Pattern Favored: Irrigated crops continue high water demand; confirm allocations and check pump reliability.
  • Fire Weather: Breezy afternoons with low RH; mitigate dust and fire ignition sources during harvest operations.
  • Cool Nights: Supportive for fruit quality but watch for dew-related disease risks in hops and vineyards.

Intermountain West and High Plains

  • Windy Passages: Shortwave fronts can bring gusty conditions; secure center pivots and wind-sensitive infrastructure.
  • Spotty Thunderstorms: Dry lightning risk on the fringes of moisture; coordinate with local fire authorities.
  • Irrigation Scheduling: Large day-night temperature ranges favor nighttime sets to reduce losses.

Field Operations: Practical Planning for the Coming Week

  • Harvest Timing: Identify 24–36 hour low-rain, low-humidity windows; prioritize fields with higher lodging or disease risk.
  • Soil Trafficability: After any significant rain, evaluate compaction risk and adjust axle loads or delay entry.
  • Disease and Insect Scouting: Warm, humid nights raise risk for foliar disease and certain pests; tighten scouting intervals.
  • Heat and Livestock: Prepare shade, cooling, and water redundancy ahead of hot spells; shift handling to early morning.
  • Irrigation Efficiency: Favor nighttime or early morning irrigation; monitor wind forecasts to avoid drift and evaporation losses.
  • Storm Readiness: Clear ditches, test sump pumps, secure loose equipment, and review lightning safety protocols.
  • Wildfire and Smoke: Check local air quality; rotate outdoor tasks and provide respirators where needed.

How to Get Your Exact Last-24-Hour Data and 7-Day Forecast

For field-level decisions, use these official, frequently updated resources:

  • Local National Weather Service forecast and observations: https://www.weather.gov/ (enter your ZIP or click your location)
  • 7-Day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF): https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/qpf2.shtml
  • Storm Prediction Center severe weather outlooks: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/
  • Climate Prediction Center 6–10 and 8–14 day outlooks: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
  • River and flood forecasts (AHPS): https://water.weather.gov/ahps/
  • U.S. Drought Monitor: https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/
  • Air Quality (EPA): https://www.airnow.gov/
  • National Interagency Fire Center: https://www.nifc.gov/

Pair these tools with your on-farm rain gauges, soil moisture probes, and canopy sensors for the most accurate, field-specific decisions.