Note for readers: This report provides an agriculture-focused synthesis suited to late-November conditions across major U.S. growing and ranching regions, together with a planning-oriented 7‑day outlook. For site-specific conditions and advisories, consult your local National Weather Service office.
National Pattern at a Glance
A seasonally active jet stream is guiding quick-moving storm systems across the country, with cooler, drier air periodically spilling south from Canada and brief warmups ahead of each front. This pattern typically brings frequent temperature swings, scattered precipitation bands, and pockets of frost or freeze risk—especially across the Plains, Midwest, and interior South. Western precipitation is closely tied to shortwave timing along the Pacific coast; interior mountain snowfall supports water supply prospects but can slow late-season fieldwork and livestock movement.
Past 24 Hours: Agriculture-Relevant Takeaways
- Plains and Midwest: Many locations saw a mix of dry hours with passing clouds and spotty light precipitation near frontal boundaries. Where skies cleared overnight, frost was common; breezy periods maintained livestock cold stress concerns on the Northern Plains.
- Delta and Southeast: Patchy light rain or drizzle affected some locales, with humidity supporting dew and wet foliage at daybreak. Interior pockets experienced a light frost where clouds broke.
- West: Intermittent showers reached portions of the Pacific Northwest and coastal ranges; higher elevations picked up light to moderate snow. California’s primary valleys were largely dry with cool nights and localized fog in wind-sheltered areas.
- Southwest and Four Corners: Generally dry with large day–night temperature ranges; cold dawns in high valleys and benches, mild afternoons where downslope winds developed.
- Northeast: A typical late-November mix—cool and breezy in spots with scattered light precipitation; higher terrain saw flurries, while valleys were mostly dry and chilly.
Operational implications: Field drying resumed where winds picked up and precipitation stayed light; however, frost and cold morning soil temperatures restricted early starts in many interior areas. Livestock cold stress remained a management priority north of I‑70 when winds aligned with subfreezing air.
Seven-Day Outlook (Planning Guidance)
Expect a fast, progressive pattern: a couple of short-lived systems crossing the West and sweeping into the Plains/Midwest, followed by cooler, drier air. Confidence is highest in temperature swings and at least two frontal passages nationally; precipitation coverage will be variable, favoring the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and portions of the Corn Belt and Northeast with lighter, more scattered totals elsewhere.
Days 1–3
- West: Pacific Northwest remains the most unsettled with periodic coastal rain and mountain snow; Northern Rockies snow accumulates at higher elevations. California largely dry aside from far-north showers; cool nights with patchy valley fog in the Central Valley.
- Northern/Central Plains: A quick-moving front brings a band of light precip (rain/snow mix north). Winds increase with the frontal passage; temperatures trend cooler behind it with frost/freeze widespread overnight.
- Southern Plains: Mostly dry to spotty light showers near the boundary; gusty winds enhance evapotranspiration for a day or two, aiding surface drying but stressing newly established winter wheat in exposed fields.
- Midwest/Corn Belt: One system likely tracks through with light to locally moderate rain; a brief rain-to-wet-snow transition is possible on the northern tier. Cooler, blustery conditions follow.
- Delta/Mid-South: Primarily dry interludes with a weak disturbance skirting north; morning dew/fog possible. A subtle cool-down follows the Plains/Midwest front.
- Southeast: Mostly dry with a fast-moving shower line possible along the Appalachians and coastal plain. Occasional frost inland on clear nights.
- Northeast: A glancing wave brings scattered rain, with interior higher terrain seeing mixed precip or wet snow; breezy and cooler behind the front.
Days 4–5
- West: Another shortwave reinforces showers in the Pacific Northwest; interior West sees additional mountain snow. California trends seasonably cool and mostly dry outside the far north.
- Plains: Cooler high pressure settles in; dry time dominates with good fieldwork windows where soils permit. Nighttime freezes remain common north and central; lighter frost south.
- Midwest/Corn Belt: Cooler, drier air favors soil surface firming and residue management; spotty lake-effect snow may persist downwind of the Great Lakes.
- Delta/Mid-South: Mainly dry and seasonable to slightly cool; localized frost possible in interior valleys under clear skies.
- Southeast: Drying trend with chilly mornings inland; coastal areas stay milder. Risk of radiation frost in protected interior locations.
- Northeast: Cool, periodic light mixed precip in the mountains; otherwise dry intervals and brisk conditions.
Days 6–7
- West: Brief lull, then another system targets the Pacific Northwest late in the period. Snowpack builds in the Cascades and Northern Rockies; Sierra sees limited impact unless the storm track dips south.
- Plains to Midwest: Moderating temperatures ahead of the next wave with increasing clouds and a renewed chance for light precipitation late—rain favored south, mixed north.
- Delta/Southeast: Predominantly dry with increasing clouds late; any showers arrive toward the end of the period and are generally light.
- Northeast: A late-period disturbance may bring light rain or a rain/snow mix, especially interior; coastal areas lean rain.
Regional Details and Ag Impacts
Pacific Northwest
- Field conditions: Frequent showers limit drying windows west of the Cascades; better, short windows in rain-shadowed areas.
- Water supply: Mountain snow accrual continues to slowly build early-season snowpack.
- Livestock: Windy, damp chill elevates cold stress; ensure windbreaks and dry bedding.
California (Central Valley, Coastal, Desert)
- Field conditions: Predominantly dry favors orchard work, pruning prep, and fall ground operations; watch for fog delays on calm mornings.
- Irrigation: Cool-season crops benefit from reduced evapotranspiration; monitor salinity in desert districts during prolonged dry stretches.
- Perennials/citrus: Chilly dawns; localized light frost in wind-sheltered basins—use standard mitigation where indicated by local forecasts.
Southwest and Four Corners
- Field conditions: Broadly favorable, with large diurnal temperature ranges; drying is efficient under sun and breeze.
- Rangeland: Stock water and forage remain the key constraints; cold nights require shelter for vulnerable stock at higher elevations.
Northern Plains (wheat, cattle)
- Precipitation: Light, fast-moving events; periodic snow showers north with limited accumulations outside favored bands.
- Temperatures: Repeated frosts/freezes; wind-driven cold stress episodes for livestock—maintain access to unfrozen water and wind protection.
- Fieldwork: Short windows between fronts for residue management and equipment maintenance.
Central and Southern Plains (winter wheat, cattle)
- Moisture: Mostly lean on precipitation; brief, light events possible with frontal passages.
- Wheat establishment: Windy, dry periods can desiccate topsoil—monitor stands for emergence and tillering; avoid traffic on marginally moist fields to reduce compaction.
- Livestock: Temperature swings and wind exposure raise energy needs; ensure adequate feed and water supply.
Midwest/Corn Belt
- Precipitation: One to two light systems; mixed type north, rain south. Lake-effect bands enhance snowfall locally.
- Fieldwork: Usable intervals in many areas Days 4–5; watch for slick surfaces and ruts where showers coincide with thawed topsoil.
- Storage: Maintain aeration in grain bins during cool, dry interludes; monitor condensation during temperature swings.
Delta and Mid-South
- Precipitation: Generally sparse; a brief shower possible as fronts brush the region.
- Temperatures: Seasonable to slightly cool; patchy frost inland on clear nights—protect tender winter vegetables and nursery stock where needed.
- Operations: Good windows for field prep and drainage work; watch morning dew for spray scheduling.
Southeast (including Florida specialty crops)
- Precipitation: Mostly light and spotty; many areas remain dry through much of the week.
- Freeze/Frost: Low to moderate risk inland on calm, clear nights; coastal zones remain milder. Prepare for radiational frost with proven mitigation.
- Diseases: Dew and cool nights can favor foliar diseases; target sprays to late-morning/early-afternoon windows.
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
- Precipitation: Light, frequent chances; rain near the coast, mixed inland and at elevation.
- Fieldwork: Short, cool-dry windows; avoid compaction on saturated patches.
- Orchards/vineyards: Dormancy progressing; secure trellis and wind protection ahead of gusty periods.
Risk Highlights and Management Notes
- Freeze/Frost: Recurrent inland frost threats across the Plains, Midwest, Delta interior, and Southeast interior during clear, calm nights. Use local forecasts to time protection.
- Wind: Gusty passages with fronts may cause topsoil blowing in open, dry fields and raise livestock energy needs.
- Precipitation Variability: Most events appear light and fast; localized heavier pockets possible in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Corn Belt, and the Northeast. Plan logistics with flexible schedules.
- Snow: Mountain snow in the West benefits water supply; occasional light snow or mixed precip north-central U.S. may briefly hamper transport.
- Fog: Valley fog risk in California’s Central Valley and interior basins after clear, cool nights—anticipate delays for harvest/hauling.
Fieldwork Windows (Indicative)
- Best odds for multi-hour dry, workable conditions: Central/Southern Plains, California valleys, Southwest, and the Delta/Mid-South—especially Days 4–5.
- Intermittent but usable: Midwest/Corn Belt (after frontal passage), Southeast (outside brief shower lines), Northeast (between light events).
- Most limited: Pacific Northwest west of the Cascades and Northern Rockies high country due to recurring showers/snow.
Bottom Line for Producers
- Use the cooler, drier Days 4–5 for catch-up fieldwork, bin management, and equipment service.
- Plan livestock windbreaks and water access around two likely frontal passages; adjust rations to meet energy needs during cold, windy spells.
- Monitor frost potential in interior Southeast, Delta valleys, and California basins on clear nights; deploy standard protection for tender crops and nursery stock.
- In wind-prone Plains fields with light residue, consider erosion control measures before the next gusty front.
- West coast operations should schedule around Pacific Northwest shower windows; mountain travel and ranch access will be periodically impacted by snow.