Note for readers: This report provides a generalized regional outlook for U.S. agricultural areas based on typical mid-November patterns and risk factors. For location-specific observations from the last 24 hours and precise 7‑day forecasts, verify with your local National Weather Service office or trusted ag‑weather provider before making operational decisions.

National Synopsis

Mid-November typically brings one to two frontal passages across the central and eastern United States, increasing chances for scattered precipitation, blustery conditions, and overnight freezes in northern tiers. The West often alternates between Pacific storm energy (wet and breezy periods along the coast and wind-prone interior) and short, cool, dry breaks favorable for fieldwork. Temperature swings of 15–25°F day-to-day are common with frontal timing, especially across the Plains and Midwest, while the Gulf and Southeast generally remain milder with higher humidity and intermittent showers.

Regional Highlights and Agricultural Implications

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

  • Fieldwork: Short, workable windows between frontal passages; expect brief delays where showers occur and where soils remain damp in low-lying fields.
  • Temperatures: Seasonally cool to chilly; frost/freezes likely on clear nights in northern areas and interior valleys.
  • Risks: Gusty winds with fronts can slow harvest and increase downed stalk risk; patchy fog possible after light rain events.
  • Management notes: Prioritize remaining corn/soy harvest during breezy but dry periods; monitor grain moisture rebound after damp intervals.

Northern and Central Plains (ND, SD, NE, KS)

  • Fieldwork: Variable. Northern tier more prone to cold snaps and brief snow flurries; central tier experiences quick-moving showers and wind shifts.
  • Winter wheat: Emerged stands benefit from light precipitation; protect late-planted fields from wind desiccation after frontal passage.
  • Livestock: Wind chills may be notable behind fronts; ensure windbreaks and reliable water access.

Southern Plains (OK, TX Panhandle and North/Central Texas)

  • Moisture: Intermittent light to moderate showers possible with passing disturbances; otherwise, lengthy dry breaks remain likely inland.
  • Temperatures: Large diurnal ranges. Light freeze risk on the High Plains, milder toward central and eastern Texas.
  • Wheat/pasture: Any rainfall aids establishment; watch for low humidity and gusts increasing evapotranspiration between systems.

Delta and Lower Mississippi Valley (AR, LA, MS, Western TN)

  • Precipitation: Periodic showers and embedded thunderstorms possible along and ahead of fronts.
  • Fieldwork: Short interruptions for harvest and fall tillage where showers occur; drying resumes fairly quickly in breezy post-frontal air.
  • Flooding: Widespread flooding is not favored, but poor-drainage spots can briefly pond after heavier bursts.

Southeast (AL, GA, FL Panhandle, Carolinas)

  • Pattern: Mild to seasonably warm with humidity spikes ahead of fronts, then cooler, drier air behind.
  • Crops: Citrus and specialty crops remain mostly safe from freeze; interior piedmont could see a light frost with clear, calm nights.
  • Fieldwork: Good spraying windows in post-frontal air with lower humidity; watch for fog formation near daybreak in humid setups.

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast (PA, NJ, NY, New England)

  • Temperatures: Cool with periodic cold shots; frost/freezes common inland and in valleys.
  • Precipitation: Passing light rain or mixed precipitation possible with frontal waves; lake-effect flurries downwind of the Great Lakes.
  • Dairy/livestock: Manage wind exposure; variable mud risk in barnyards after light precipitation.

California Central Valley and Coastal Regions

  • Precipitation: Windows of light to locally moderate rain are possible if Pacific energy reaches the coast; otherwise, mostly dry with valley fog risk.
  • Fieldwork: Good orchard/vineyard maintenance opportunities during dry stretches; limit ground disturbance ahead of any expected wet episodes.
  • Air quality: Post-frontal mixing improves air quality; stagnant periods can promote fog and haze in the Valley.

Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID)

  • Pattern: Onshore flow episodes likely bring rain west of the Cascades and mountain snow at higher elevations; interior basins see breezy, cooler spells.
  • Fieldwork: Western lowlands face intermittent delays; interior windows improve quickly between systems.
  • Tree fruit/hops: Watch for wind-driven limb stress during stronger frontal passages.

Intermountain West and Four Corners

  • Moisture: Light snow or rain possible with passing troughs at elevation; valleys mainly dry and cool.
  • Rangeland: Cool nights and low humidity; stock tanks and pipeline systems should be checked for freeze risk.

Last 24 Hours: What Producers Typically Experience This Time of Year

In mid-November, a common 24-hour pattern includes one of the following: a fast-moving cold front with scattered showers and a wind shift; a quiet, cool, dry high-pressure day favorable for fieldwork; or a moist, mild pre-frontal setup with fog and low clouds. Northern latitudes frequently see overnight freezes and patchy black ice on rural roads, while southern tier fields remain mostly above freezing with dew formation and occasional light showers. If your operation encountered gusty winds, expect elevated grain moisture variability and potential lodging; if you saw calm, clear conditions, expect efficient drying but heavier morning dew and frost.

Seven-Day Outlook: Planning Guide

The coming week commonly features one or two frontal passages sweeping from the Plains through the East, along with periodic Pacific systems for the Northwest and California. Use the following as a planning framework and confirm exact timing locally.

Days 1–3

  • Central/East: Higher chance for a frontal passage bringing scattered showers and breezy conditions; quick cool-down afterward with patchy frost north.
  • South: Isolated to scattered showers near the Gulf states; otherwise warm spells ahead of fronts.
  • West: Pacific Northwest more likely to see rain and mountain snow; California mixed signals—valley fog if dry, light rain chances with any coastal disturbances.

Days 4–5

  • Plains to Midwest: Another system may organize, renewing shower/wind potential and a fresh cool push behind it.
  • Delta/Southeast: Increasing shower chances ahead of the boundary; brief thunderstorms possible.
  • Northern Rockies/Intermountain: Cooler shots with light high-elevation snow; valley conditions mainly dry and brisk.

Days 6–7

  • East: Drier, cooler window likely after the front, favoring fieldwork where soils permit; frost/freeze risk inland.
  • South: Gradual moderation with lingering showers near the Gulf/Atlantic if moisture lingers offshore.
  • West: Next Pacific impulse possible in the Northwest; California trends drier unless a coastal wave develops.

Operational Risk Dashboard

  • Freeze risk: Moderate to high in the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and interior Northeast on clear nights; low to moderate in interior Southeast valleys.
  • Wind risk: Moderate with each frontal passage across the Plains and Midwest; locally high in the Pacific Northwest with coastal systems.
  • Precipitation risk: Moderate in the Pacific Northwest and along central/eastern storm tracks; low to moderate in California and interior West outside of passing waves.
  • Fieldwork windows: Short to moderate duration in the Midwest and Delta between systems; longer windows in interior West and portions of the Southern Plains.
  • Hydrology: Low widespread flood risk; localized ponding possible in poor-drainage fields after heavier showers.

Crop- and Sector-Specific Notes

  • Row crops (corn, soy): Target harvest in post-frontal, breezy periods for faster drying; recalibrate moisture after humid or foggy nights.
  • Winter wheat: Capitalize on light rainfall for stand establishment; shield young stands from wind desiccation with residue and proper grazing rotations.
  • Specialty crops (citrus, berries, vineyards): Monitor for radiational frost on clear, calm nights; deploy frost mitigation where thresholds are critical.
  • Livestock: Prepare for wind chills behind fronts; maintain dry bedding and windbreaks; verify water supply resilience to brief freezes.
  • Irrigation and soil moisture: Use post-frontal low humidity and wind to expedite surface drying; avoid compaction by delaying entry on saturated headlands.

What to Monitor Daily

  • Morning minimums and dew/frost potential affecting harvest and spray timing.
  • Wind gust forecasts on frontal days for lodging and application drift risk.
  • Short-term radar/satellite trends to anticipate narrow but impactful shower bands.
  • Soil temperature bands for late-season planting or chemical efficacy.

Bottom line: Expect a classic mid-November mix—intermittent fronts bringing brief wet, windy periods framed by cooler, drier windows favorable for fieldwork. Verify local timing to capture the best harvest and application opportunities while protecting winter wheat and livestock from short, sharp cold snaps.