National Synopsis

Across America’s key agricultural belts, the past day featured seasonally changeable late‑November conditions: chilly to cold air in the northern tier, intermittent light precipitation bands tied to passing disturbances, and milder but periodically unsettled weather nearer the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. In the West, onshore flow and mountain snow in favored corridors contrasted with drier, breezier stretches inland. These patterns continue to influence field trafficability, soil moisture recharge, winter wheat establishment, and livestock comfort.

Looking ahead through the next week, producers should anticipate a series of fast‑moving systems across the northern states, periodic Gulf moisture lifting into the Delta and lower Mississippi Valley, and alternating dry/windy versus cool/damp windows across the Plains and Corn Belt. Western valleys remain at risk for fog formation between fronts, while higher terrain collects additional early‑season snowpack. Local variations will be substantial; timing and totals will hinge on storm track shifts of a few hundred miles.

Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies

Last 24 hours

Frequent clouds with valley rain and mountain snow affected coastal ranges and the Cascades, with lighter, more showery precipitation spilling into the Northern Rockies. Winds periodically gusty along exposed ridges and gaps. Temperatures generally cool, with snow levels fluctuating around pass elevations.

Agricultural impacts: Ongoing moisture supports soil recharge for fall‑seeded grains and pastures. Fieldwork windows were limited by wet soils in lowlands. Livestock faced wind chill on ridgetops; snow added traction challenges on ranch access roads.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Additional rounds of rain and mountain snow, most frequent west of the Cascades and along windward slopes. Snowpack building in the Cascades and Northern Rockies; occasional rain-shadowed breaks inland.
  • Temperatures: Near to below seasonal averages at times; colder air with each frontal passage, brief moderation in between.
  • Risks: Slick passes, stream rises in smaller basins, saturated fields limiting heavy equipment. Confidence: moderate.

California (Central Valley, Coastal, and Sierra)

Last 24 hours

Intermittent light precipitation favored the northern part of the state, with generally lighter amounts reaching the Central Valley. Cooler nights supported pockets of valley fog where skies cleared; Sierra elevations saw periods of snow.

Agricultural impacts: Light rains aided early soil moisture recharge in orchards and rangeland. Fog reduced morning visibility for harvest and transport. Mountain snows beneficial for long‑term water supply.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Northern California more likely to see recurring light to moderate systems; southern/Interior valleys trend drier with occasional weak impulses.
  • Temperatures: Seasonable days; cool nights with recurring tule fog risk after clear, calm nights.
  • Risks: Reduced spray windows due to fog and humidity; slippery orchard floors; mountain travel disruptions during snow. Confidence: moderate.

Southwest (Desert Southwest and Four Corners)

Last 24 hours

Predominantly dry with large day‑night temperature spreads. Breezy periods over higher terrain and passes; isolated high‑elevation flurries near the Four Corners with a passing disturbance.

Agricultural impacts: Good outdoor work windows continued; low humidity favored curing but increased fire‑weather sensitivity in windy corridors.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Mostly limited; best chances over northern tier and higher terrain with glancing systems.
  • Temperatures: Near to slightly above normal in deserts; cooler shots north/east with frontal passages.
  • Risks: Periodic gusty winds, localized blowing dust, cold nights in interior valleys. Confidence: moderate.

Intermountain West and Central/Rocky Mountains

Last 24 hours

Spotty snow showers in higher elevations with cooler temperatures; valleys saw a mix of clouds and sun with brisk conditions.

Agricultural impacts: Building high‑elevation snowpack supports spring water resources; rangeland access occasionally hampered by icy spots. Livestock exposed to wind chills on open range.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Periodic mountain snow; lighter, intermittent valley precipitation. Totals favor north‑facing and west‑facing ranges.
  • Temperatures: Oscillating cool/cold with modest warmups between systems.
  • Risks: Travel difficulties over passes during snow, nighttime refreeze leading to icy pens and lots. Confidence: moderate.

Northern Plains (MT/ND/SD/WY portions)

Last 24 hours

Cold, occasionally breezy conditions with light snow or flurries in spots; many areas remained mainly dry between bands.

Agricultural impacts: Winter wheat went dormant or near‑dormant; livestock felt chill with wind. Fieldwork mostly limited to maintenance and livestock care.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Light, fast‑moving events possible, mainly snow; accumulations modest outside of favored bands.
  • Temperatures: Generally below seasonal norms at times, with brief moderations.
  • Risks: Blowing/drifting snow in open country during gusty periods; increasing feed requirements for cattle in cold snaps. Confidence: moderate.

Central and Southern Plains (NE/KS/OK/TX Panhandle)

Last 24 hours

Mixed conditions: dry, breezy intervals interspersed with weak disturbances producing light precipitation in localized areas. Temperatures varied from seasonable to cool.

Agricultural impacts: Wind dried topsoils where moisture has been scarce; any light rain/snow helped winter wheat stands. Cattle experienced wind stress during gusts.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Intermittent chances, with better odds east of the High Plains and toward the Red River; western areas skew drier overall.
  • Temperatures: Fluctuating; a couple of chilly shots could bring light freezes to open rangeland, especially north and west.
  • Risks: Fire‑weather concerns on windy, dry days; brief freezing drizzle/light snow possible with fast fronts. Confidence: low to moderate (track‑dependent).

Corn Belt and Upper Midwest

Last 24 hours

Patchy light precipitation lifted north/east with passing waves—rain in the south, a rain/snow mix or wet snow toward the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes—along with seasonable to cool temperatures.

Agricultural impacts: Wet spots slowed remaining fall tillage and nutrient applications; cooler nights advanced dormancy in perennials. Travelable fields persisted in drier pockets.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Several light to occasionally moderate pulses possible, particularly around the Great Lakes and eastern Corn Belt; western Corn Belt trends more variable with longer dry breaks.
  • Temperatures: Near to slightly below normal, with colder nights promoting soil surface freezes in the north.
  • Risks: Slippery conditions in mixed precip zones; narrow field windows between showers. Confidence: moderate.

Delta and Mid-South

Last 24 hours

Moisture from the Gulf supported areas of showers, with mild to seasonable temperatures and light winds in many locations.

Agricultural impacts: Showers aided soil moisture for small grains and cover crops; field access variable depending on recent rainfall footprint. Post‑harvest activities and fall field prep continued around wet intervals.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Periodic shower chances remain, especially mid to late week as disturbances tap Gulf moisture.
  • Temperatures: Seasonable; risk of patchy light frost mainly in interior, rural low spots on clearer nights.
  • Risks: Ponding in poorly drained fields with heavier cells; limited spray windows due to humidity and intermittent rain. Confidence: moderate.

Southeast (including Florida)

Last 24 hours

Generally dry to partly unsettled with spotty showers near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts; cooler mornings inland, mild afternoons along the coast.

Agricultural impacts: Decent fieldwork windows where dry; citrus and winter vegetables benefited from moderate temperatures; isolated light frost possible in colder interior pockets.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Scattered showers at times, favoring coastal zones and the eastern Carolinas with passing fronts; inland remains variable with longer dry breaks.
  • Temperatures: Seasonable; a couple of cooler nights could flirt with frost thresholds in interior northern areas.
  • Risks: Brief coastal gusts with fronts; disease pressure where humidity and leaf wetness periods lengthen. Confidence: moderate.

Northeast

Last 24 hours

Cool, unsettled periods with light rain showers and higher‑elevation wet snow in interior New England and the Appalachians; breezy along coasts and headlands at times.

Agricultural impacts: Late‑season fieldwork faced damp conditions; orchards and vineyards largely dormant; pasture conditions seasonally limited.

Next 7 days

  • Precipitation: Additional light to locally moderate events every couple of days; rain favored at low elevations, mixed precipitation or snow in higher terrain.
  • Temperatures: Near to below normal, coldest nights interior and higher elevations.
  • Risks: Slushy, slick rural roads with any mixed precipitation; wind‑chill exposure for livestock on hilltops. Confidence: moderate.

Specialized Agricultural Considerations

  • Winter wheat (Plains/Central states): Intermittent moisture will help stands where received; windy, dry days may crust or desiccate topsoil in western fringes—monitor emergence and consider residue management to protect seedlings.
  • Livestock (Northern tier/High Plains): Prepare for wind‑chill events and ensure unfrozen water access; adjust rations as cold snaps increase energy demand.
  • Tree nuts, vineyards, and orchards (CA/PNW): Wet soils reduce heavy‑equipment access; use caution with frost pockets following clear nights; tule fog will reduce visibility for harvest and hauling.
  • Row crops/field prep (Corn Belt/Delta): Expect short, opportunistic windows between showers; prioritize well‑drained fields and avoid compaction on saturated soils.
  • Vegetables and citrus (Southeast/FL): Watch for brief light frost inland on the coldest nights; employ standard protection for sensitive stages where feasible.

Timing Guide (National Tendencies)

  • Days 1–3: Northern storm tracks support periodic light snow/events across the northern Rockies/Plains/Upper Midwest and rain/snow in the PNW; scattered showers along the Gulf Coast and Southeast with frontal passages; variable, breezy Plains conditions.
  • Days 4–7: Another round of Pacific energy likely clips the Northwest and northern tier; renewed shower chances in the Delta/Southeast if Gulf moisture is tapped; alternating cool/dry and damp intervals in the Corn Belt; Southwest largely dry outside higher terrain.

Confidence note: Confidence is highest in broad patterns (wet Northwest and northern mountains; variable northern tier; intermittent Gulf‑fed showers Southeast/Delta). Specific day‑to‑day timing and local amounts remain lower confidence and will hinge on exact storm tracks.

Operational Tips for the Week Ahead

  • Schedule fieldwork in 24–36 hour dry breaks; prioritize fields with lower compaction risk and those needing nutrient applications before deeper freeze.
  • Stage livestock windbreaks and bedding ahead of gusty/cold episodes; inspect waterers for freeze protection.
  • In fog‑prone valleys (Central Valley, inland Northwest), plan harvest and hauling for late morning/early afternoon when visibility improves.
  • Monitor local forecasts for frost advisories in interior Southeast and for quick‑hitting wintry mixes in the Upper Midwest and Northeast highlands.