National snapshot: conditions over the past 24 hours

Late-summer weather continued to drive field conditions across the United States with a broad north–south temperature gradient, scattered thunderstorms along wavering frontal boundaries in the central and eastern states, and generally drier conditions west of the Rockies outside of localized monsoon pulses. While local outcomes varied widely, growers most commonly contended with a mix of hot, humid afternoons in the southern tier and periodic storm clusters from the Plains into parts of the Corn Belt and Mid-South.

• Northern Plains and Upper Midwest: Intervals of cloud cover and spotty showers/storms where boundaries set up, interspersed with sizable dry windows that allowed harvest prep and small-grain movement. Brief gusty outflows and localized downpours occurred in storm-prone corridors.
• Corn Belt: Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms in some central and eastern zones produced uneven rainfall, leaving many fields dry while a few picked up quick, soaking bursts. Heat eased somewhat north; humidity persisted south.
• Central/Southern Plains: Hot to very hot conditions dominated many locations, with isolated late-day storms on the High Plains and along remnant boundaries. Heat stress remained a factor for livestock and late-season irrigated crops.
• Delta and Lower Mississippi Valley: Warm, humid conditions with pop-up storms that were hit-or-miss, briefly slowing fieldwork in spots but offering beneficial moisture where cells tracked.
• Southeast: Typical late-day convection returned moisture to topsoils in a patchwork fashion; heat indices ran high during afternoon hours before storms cooled select areas.
• Mid-Atlantic and Northeast specialty crops: A passing boundary brought pockets of showers and a trim to humidity in its wake for some areas; others remained mainly dry with seasonable temperatures.
• Southwest and Intermountain West: Largely dry with localized monsoon-driven storms over higher terrain; valley floors stayed hot and dry, sustaining high evaporative demand.
• California (Central Valley and coastal growing regions): Predominantly dry with inland heat and cooler marine air near the coast. Irrigation demand remained elevated in interior districts.
• Pacific Northwest: Mostly dry, seasonable to warm inland, with some coastal cloudiness. Fire-weather concerns remained tied to local wind and dryness rather than widespread lightning.

Seven-day agricultural outlook: regional details and farm impacts

Through the next week, a familiar early-September pattern is favored: persistent warmth across the southern tier, periodic fronts dipping into the northern and central states to trigger clusters of showers and thunderstorms, and generally lighter, more localized precipitation in the West aside from monsoon pockets. Expect highly uneven rainfall distribution where storms develop, with many fields remaining dry while nearby areas receive heavy downpours.

Corn Belt (Upper Midwest to Ohio Valley)

• Temperatures: Near to slightly above seasonal norms overall; brief cooler breaks likely in the northwest Belt after frontal passages, warmer south/east.
• Rain and storms: Several chances for scattered thunderstorms, especially along and ahead of passing fronts. Totals will be variable; localized heavy rain possible where storms repeat.
• Fieldwork windows: Multiple workable periods between storm chances; avoid post-storm compaction. Harvest prep for silage and early soybeans progresses during dry intervals.
• Crop notes: Late soy and corn benefit from timely moisture but remain at risk for lodging and disease where rains are heavy and humidity lingers; scout for foliar disease after wet nights.

Northern Plains (Dakotas, Montana, northern Nebraska)

• Temperatures: Seasonable to warm; brief cool-downs behind weak fronts.
• Rain and storms: Intermittent thunderstorm chances favor the eastern Dakotas and adjacent areas; western zones trend drier.
• Fieldwork windows: Generally favorable for small-grain movement and late-season haying outside of storm windows; watch for gusty outflows with any storms.
• Crop notes: Dryland fields continue to rely on sporadic support from frontal showers; irrigated acres face steady evapotranspiration needs.

Central and Southern Plains (Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Panhandle and north/central Texas)

• Temperatures: Above normal in many areas; bouts of heat likely, especially south and west.
• Rain and storms: Isolated to scattered storm chances on the High Plains and along remnant boundaries; coverage uneven and moisture highly localized.
• Fieldwork windows: Broadly favorable for cutting/baling where heat and dry weather dominate; plan around isolated storm interruptions.
• Livestock/crop notes: Heat stress risk elevated on hotter days; maintain water and shade. Sorghum, cotton, and late corn may require additional irrigation to offset high evaporative demand.

Delta and Mid-South (Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana)

• Temperatures: Warm to hot with muggy conditions persisting.
• Rain and storms: Daily to near-daily chances for scattered convection; highest in the afternoons and evenings. Rainfall will be streaky.
• Fieldwork windows: Narrow but recurring; harvest operations should target late morning to early afternoon prior to storm initiation when feasible.
• Crop notes: Cotton and soy harvest windows may be pinched by pop-up storms; monitor boll rot risk and lint quality during humid stretches.

Southeast (AL/GA/FL/Carolinas)

• Temperatures: Seasonably hot with high humidity; coastal zones tempered by sea breezes.
• Rain and storms: Regular sea-breeze-driven storms inland from coasts; locally heavy downpours possible with poor drainage.
• Fieldwork windows: Best early-day windows; plan harvest and sprays ahead of typical afternoon storm cycles.
• Crop notes: Maintain fungicide intervals where disease pressure remains high; watch for fruit/vegetable quality issues after heavy rains.

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast (specialty crops, dairies, hay)

• Temperatures: Near seasonal to slightly warm; brief cool, drier interludes behind fronts.
• Rain and storms: Periodic shower and thunderstorm chances with frontal passages; not a washout, but isolated heavy cells possible.
• Fieldwork windows: Good haying and orchard windows between fronts; monitor wind shifts for spray timing.
• Crop notes: Apple and grape growers should watch for rot pressure where humidity persists; ventilate canopies and time sprays ahead of moisture.

Great Lakes

• Temperatures: Seasonable, with cooler nights following fronts enhancing grain fill in some areas.
• Rain and storms: Scattered activity tied to fronts; lake-enhanced showers possible in localized post-frontal bands.
• Fieldwork windows: Reasonable, with pauses around frontal rain; soils drain quickly where totals are modest.

Southwest and Four Corners

• Temperatures: Hot inland with cooler high-elevation nights.
• Rain and storms: Monsoon showers and storms remain hit-or-miss over higher terrain; valleys largely dry.
• Fieldwork windows: Broadly favorable outside of mountain storm zones; dust control and worker heat safety remain priorities.
• Crop notes: High ET rates continue; schedule irrigation in off-peak hours to reduce losses and manage pressure.

California (Central Valley, coastal and specialty regions)

• Temperatures: Warm to hot inland; mild to warm with marine influence along the coast.
• Rain and storms: Predominantly dry.
• Fieldwork windows: Excellent for harvest pace; manage worker heat exposure during mid-afternoon peaks.
• Crop notes: Continue diligent irrigation scheduling and canopy management to balance quality and heat stress, especially in nuts, grapes, and vegetables.

Pacific Northwest (WA/OR/ID)

• Temperatures: Seasonable to warm inland; cooler near the coast.
• Rain and storms: Mostly dry; a weak system could bring clouds or light precip to isolated areas, but widespread rain is unlikely.
• Fieldwork windows: Favorable for small-grain transport and specialty crop harvest; watch winds for spray drift.
• Fire weather: Localized concerns persist where recent dryness and winds coincide; monitor any air quality impacts from regional smoke.

Rockies and High Plains (CO/WY/UT/ID elevations)

• Temperatures: Warm days, cool nights at elevation; warmer east of the divide.
• Rain and storms: Isolated to scattered high-elevation storms; limited spillover to adjacent plains except near boundaries.
• Fieldwork windows: Generally good; brief mountain storm delays possible.

Operational guidance for the week ahead

• Heat and humidity management: Plan livestock watering and shade during the hottest hours in the southern tier. Shift field crews to early morning and evening where feasible.
• Storm timing: In the central and eastern states, time harvest and chemical applications to morning-to-midday windows ahead of typical late-day storm development. Build in flexibility for pop-up downpours and outflow winds.
• Soil moisture strategy: Expect sharp gradients in soil moisture where storms are scattered. Use field-level observations or probes to guide irrigation rather than relying on countywide rainfall estimates.
• Disease and pest vigilance: Elevated humidity following nighttime storms favors foliar diseases in corn, soy, cotton, and specialty crops. Scout promptly after wet periods and rotate chemistries where treatment is warranted.
• Harvest logistics: Where extended dry windows are expected (West, parts of the Plains and Pacific states), advance harvest pace and transport while road and yard conditions are optimal.

Risks to monitor over the next seven days

• Localized flash flooding: Any slow-moving or training thunderstorms in the central and eastern U.S. can deliver short-duration heavy rain. Avoid low-lying field entries immediately after such events.
• Severe weather pockets: A few storms may produce damaging wind or hail near frontal zones. Secure equipment and avoid fieldwork under thunderstorm warnings.
• Heat stress: Persistent or returning heat in the Southern Plains, Southwest, and parts of the Delta and Texas can stress both crops and livestock; monitor wet-bulb temperatures for worker safety.
• Tropical influences: Early September is peak Atlantic hurricane season. Any Gulf or Atlantic disturbances could quickly alter rainfall expectations for the Gulf Coast and Southeast; monitor official forecasts for track changes.
• Wildfire and smoke: In the West and parts of the Northern Rockies/PNW, local wind events could elevate fire danger and introduce smoke that affects air quality and sunlight; adjust harvest and outdoor work accordingly.
• Early chill at elevation: Higher elevations may see cool nights following frontal passages; while widespread frost is not expected at low elevations, isolated high-country chills can affect sensitive specialty crops.

Because storm coverage is inherently uneven this time of year, verify field-scale decisions with your local National Weather Service forecast and radar trends, and keep contingency plans ready for pop-up storms or short bursts of heavy rain.