Note for readers: This agriculture-focused weather report is a planning outlook based on seasonal patterns typical for mid-December across U.S. production regions. It does not include live observations from the past 24 hours or instrument-derived daily forecasts. For precise, location-specific conditions and a day-by-day forecast, consult your local National Weather Service office or trusted state weather network.

National Overview for Producers

Mid-December brings shorter days, frequent freeze–thaw cycles, and the seasonal return of active storm tracks. The primary agricultural considerations this week include:

  • Morning freezes and intermittent thawing that can create mud, ruts, and compaction risk during any field traffic.
  • Episodes of wind chill stress for livestock, with greatest exposure across the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and high-elevation West.
  • Valley and lowland fog potential after clear, cold nights—slowing harvest logistics and road transport at daybreak.
  • Periodic Pacific storm influence in the West and sporadic moisture intrusions from the Gulf of Mexico that can bring rain to portions of the Delta and Southeast.
  • Lake-effect snow hazards downwind of the Great Lakes when cold air passes over relatively warmer lake waters, affecting rural mobility and feed distribution.

Context on Recent Conditions

Because this report does not pull live observations, we do not publish a past-24-hour recap. Producers should evaluate local gauges, soil probes, and state mesonet stations for actual precipitation, temperature extremes, and wind. Walk fields where feasible to check surface crusting, ice, and ponding, and assess barn ventilation and bedding in response to overnight chills or dampness.

7-Day Agricultural Planning Outlook

The following region-by-region guidance reflects common mid-December patterns and the agronomic implications of likely weather drivers this week. Use it to plan tasks, then pair with local official forecasts for timing.

Northern Plains (MT, ND, SD)

  • Temperatures: Seasonally cold with periodic reinforcing shots of colder air; subfreezing days likely at times with colder nights. Wind chills may periodically reach dangerous ranges for livestock.
  • Precipitation: Light, intermittent snow events are possible, with any clipper-type systems bringing quick bursts and gusty winds. Blowing/drifting can briefly reduce visibility in open country.
  • Fieldwork/Livestock: Window for outdoor work is limited by cold and wind. Prioritize windbreaks and adequate energy-dense feed. Monitor waterers for freeze-ups and check oil/fluids for cold starts.
  • Transport: Watch for icy spots and brief whiteouts in open areas.

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

  • Temperatures: Wide swings possible; frequent freezes north, variable freeze risk into OK/TX Panhandle with mild interludes between fronts.
  • Precipitation: Generally light, with chances tied to passing fronts. Mixed rain/snow possible near the Nebraska/Kansas corridor during colder periods.
  • Fieldwork/Livestock: Freeze–thaw cycles may create midday mud. Protect wheat stands from desiccation during windy periods; scout for heaving where soils are saturated then freeze.
  • Fire Weather: Briefly elevated on dry, windy days—especially western KS/OK/TX Panhandle—secure loose tarps and equipment.

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

  • Temperatures: Seasonally cold; frequent morning freezes with limited daytime thaw north. Wind chills noteworthy on breezier days.
  • Precipitation: Light to occasionally moderate events possible, including rain/snow mix and lake-effect downwind of the Great Lakes.
  • Fieldwork/Grain: Outdoor work windows are short; prioritize critical repairs and grain movement during calmer periods. Check bin aeration—cold/damp spells can promote condensation and crusting.
  • Livestock: Ensure dry bedding and draft protection; monitor for respiratory stress when cold pairs with humidity and wind.

Delta and Mid-South (AR, LA, MS, western TN)

  • Temperatures: Cool season variability; periodic chilly mornings with some milder afternoons between fronts.
  • Precipitation: Intermittent rain chances with Gulf moisture intrusions; some days dry enough for field maintenance.
  • Fieldwork: Manage ruts and compaction by avoiding saturated windows; post-harvest tillage best during brief dry, breezy days.
  • Infrastructure: Clean ditches and ensure pumps are ready—quick 1–2 day wet spells can create ponding in poorly drained fields.

Southeast (AL, GA, FL Panhandle, Carolinas)

  • Temperatures: Seasonably cool north; near-seasonal to mild south. Patchy frost potential inland during clear nights; coastal zones less affected.
  • Precipitation: Intermittent showers tied to frontal passages; brief, heavier bursts possible along/near the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plain.
  • Specialty Crops: Monitor frost/freeze advisories for nurseries, citrus-adjacent areas, and winter vegetables. Use row covers and micro-sprinklers as appropriate.
  • Logistics: Morning fog possible following wet afternoons and clear, calm nights.

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

  • Temperatures: Chilly with periodic cold shots; freeze is common away from immediate coastal zones.
  • Precipitation: Light to moderate events possible; inland and higher terrain may see snow or wintry mix. Lake-effect snow downwind of Lakes Erie and Ontario during cold northwesterly flow.
  • Dairy/Livestock: Ventilation management remains crucial to limit humidity without drawing drafts onto animals; keep alleyways ice-free.
  • Forestry/Maple/Orchards: Early season equipment checks for tubing, taps, and sprayers; monitor for freeze-thaw cycles that can stress lines and fittings.

Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID)

  • Temperatures: Cool to cold; valley fog where skies clear. Higher elevations remain cold with frequent freeze.
  • Precipitation: Periodic Pacific systems likely bring rain to lowlands and snow to mountains, enhancing snowpack. Brief rain shadowing east of the Cascades.
  • Specialty Crops/Orchards: Protect tree graft unions and young stock from cold snaps; manage orchard floor moisture to reduce equipment rutting.
  • Hydrology: Snowpack accumulation improves irrigation outlook but check for rapid melt only if a warm, wet system arrives.

California (Central Valley, Coastal Vegetables, Specialty Crops)

  • Temperatures: Cool season regime; interior valleys can see radiational fog after clear nights. Frost pockets possible in rural low spots.
  • Precipitation: Periodic storm chances; coastal and northern areas favored earlier in any active period, with Central Valley rainfall varying by storm track.
  • Fieldwork/Specialty: Schedule harvests and sprays around dry breaks; monitor inversion conditions that affect spray drift and efficacy.
  • Orchards/Vineyards: Maintain frost protection readiness; ensure drainage is clear to avoid standing water after showers.

Southwest Deserts (AZ, NM, far West TX)

  • Temperatures: Cool nights with frost potential in rural lows; mild afternoons on sunny days.
  • Precipitation: Generally limited; slight increases possible if a Pacific disturbance tracks inland.
  • Irrigation/Frost: Irrigation needs remain low but protect frost-sensitive winter vegetables and ornamentals during clear, calm nights.
  • Air Quality: Valley stagnation and inversions may reduce dispersion on light-wind, clear nights.

Rockies and Intermountain West (CO, UT, WY, interior ID/MT)

  • Temperatures: Cold to very cold at elevation; significant diurnal swings in high valleys with strong nighttime radiational cooling.
  • Precipitation: Intermittent mountain snow; valley precipitation variable with elevation-driven rain/snow mix.
  • Rangeland/Livestock: Ensure access to unfrozen water and wind shelter; snow cover will modulate grazing access.
  • Transport: Mountain passes subject to winter driving conditions; plan feed and fuel deliveries around likely storm windows.

Risk Watchlist for the Week Ahead

  • Hard Freeze: Highest likelihood in the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest, interior West, and sheltered valleys nationwide on clear nights. Protect exposed pipes, orchard micro-irrigation, and tender nursery stock.
  • Wind Chill Episodes: Northern tier and high plains especially; adjust livestock exposure and energy rations accordingly.
  • Wintry Mix and Ice: Transition zones near frontal boundaries in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and interior Northeast can see slick travel and powerline glaze; time grain and milk hauling around these windows.
  • Fog: Central Valley of California, interior Northwest valleys, and Gulf/Atlantic coastal plains prone after clear, calm nights; start-of-day delays for harvest, hauling, and aerial applications.
  • Heavy Mountain Snow: Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and central/northern Rockies during active Pacific periods; good for snowpack but challenging for logistics.
  • Gusty Frontal Passages: Plains and Midwest—secure coverings and light infrastructure; check hoop houses and tunnel anchoring.

Operational Checklist

  • Confirm local 7-day forecast and hour-by-hour timing from your NWS office before scheduling fieldwork or transport.
  • Stage cold-weather kits: fuel anti-gel, engine heaters, gate de-icers, and spare hoses for frozen hydrants.
  • Inspect bin fans and vents; run brief aeration during appropriate conditions to prevent condensation and spoilage.
  • Reinforce windbreaks and evaluate bedding; ensure adequate dry matter intake for livestock as wind chill increases energy demand.
  • Map frost pockets; prepare row covers and micro-sprinklers for specialty crops and nurseries.
  • Coordinate delivery routes around potential fog, lake-effect bands, and mountain pass restrictions.

For site-specific decisions, pair this planning outlook with your local forecast discussion and advisories from National Weather Service meteorologists, state climatologists, and extension services.