Below is a national, region-by-region agricultural weather overview summarizing broad conditions over roughly the past day and outlining the most likely patterns and risks for the next seven days. Because field conditions and microclimates vary widely, growers and ag service providers should pair this guidance with local National Weather Service forecasts and on-farm observations for operational decisions.

Week-at-a-Glance: National Pattern Signals

  • Storm timing: One to two waves are likely to cross the country in the next seven days, bringing periodic precipitation to the West first, then the central and eastern U.S.
  • Temperature: Northern tier states trend seasonally cold with intermittent shots of colder air; southern tier leans near to modestly above average at times, with brief cool-downs behind fronts.
  • Precipitation: Wettest risks favor the West-facing slopes (with mountain snow), the central U.S. along frontal zones, and parts of the East late in the period. The interior Southwest and portions of the High Plains retain dryer stretches between systems.
  • Fieldwork windows: Short, opportunistic windows between systems in the Plains and Midwest; longer windows in interior Southwest; intermittent delays where repeated showers occur along the Gulf and East Coasts.
  • Primary ag risks: Freeze/frost episodes for winter wheat and specialty crops in the northern half of the country; mud and feedlot stress in wetter belts; mountain snowfall influencing western water supply; sporadic severe-weather ingredients along the Gulf Coast if a stronger front materializes late week.

Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Typical mid-December variability with on-and-off precipitation in windward terrain and cooler, unsettled conditions at elevation supporting mountain snow. Lowlands saw lighter, more intermittent showers.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Multiple rounds of rain and mountain snow likely. Heavier totals favored along the coast ranges, Cascades, and northern Rockies. Snowpack building continues.
  • Temperature: Near to slightly below average overall, with colder periods during frontal passages and milder breaks between systems at lower elevations.
  • Field and livestock impacts: Saturated soils and muddy conditions may periodically impede orchard and vineyard work. Livestock cold stress rises on windy, wet days; provide windbreaks and dry bedding.
  • Confidence: Medium-high for unsettled pattern; medium for timing of individual waves.

California (Central Valley, Coastal, and Southern Production Areas)

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Seasonal marine influences and patchy valley fog in calmer intervals; coastal and northern zones more prone to light showers, with snow in the Sierra at higher elevations.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Intermittent systems likely to bring periods of rain north and central, lighter and spottier south. Sierra snow continues, aiding water supply.
  • Temperature: Valley highs seasonable; cool nights support fog formation where skies clear and winds slacken. Frost pockets possible in sheltered locations.
  • Field impacts: Short delays for nut and orchard floor work after showers; monitor root-zone moisture for winter vegetables and strawberries. Citrus should prepare for isolated frost protection on clear, calm nights.
  • Confidence: Medium for periodic storm impacts; high for valley fog risk during calm, clear nights.

Southwest Desert and Four Corners (AZ, NM, UT, CO)

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Generally dry to spotty light precipitation near higher terrain; cool mornings and seasonable afternoons across lower deserts.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Mostly light and terrain-focused; occasional snow for higher elevations with passing disturbances. Extended dry spells likely in lower deserts.
  • Temperature: Near seasonal, with chilly mornings; freezes common in rural low spots. Brief cooler shots accompany passing waves.
  • Field impacts: Favorable for winter vegetable harvest windows; manage frost risk in desert valleys. Limited disease pressure outside brief damp periods.
  • Confidence: Medium-high for predominantly dry, cool pattern in deserts; medium for mountain snow timing.

Northern Plains (MT, ND, SD)

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Seasonal chill with scattered light snow or flurries possible, breezier at times in open country.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Periodic light snow events, with a window for a more organized round if a stronger clipper or central U.S. system tracks nearby mid-to-late week.
  • Temperature: Generally below to near seasonal normals; notable wind chills possible during and after fronts.
  • Livestock and winter wheat: Elevated cold-stress risk during breezy, subfreezing spells; ensure access to shelter and unfrozen water. Snow cover variability will influence winter wheat protection.
  • Confidence: Medium for recurring cold; medium for snow amounts and storm track specifics.

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

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Seasonable to cool conditions with breezy intervals; light precipitation patchy and mainly tied to passing fronts.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Light to locally moderate precipitation chances return with one or two frontal passages. Greatest coverage near frontal boundaries and farther east.
  • Temperature: Variable—mild periods ahead of fronts, cooler behind. Freeze risk persists for winter wheat zones during clear, calm nights.
  • Field and livestock: Short fieldwork windows between systems; mud risk rises locally after any soaking rains. Provide wind protection and monitor stock water during cold snaps.
  • Confidence: Medium for changeable temperatures; medium for patchy precipitation coverage.

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

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Wintry to late-autumn mix: seasonable cold in the north, chilly rain or light snow chances near frontal zones, with quieter intervals between waves.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: One to two systems likely to bring rain/snow chances. Rain favored south/east of storm tracks; snow potential north/west with accumulations mainly in colder belts.
  • Temperature: Near to below seasonal in the north; near seasonal central; near to slightly above seasonal south ahead of fronts, trending cooler behind.
  • Field impacts: Periodic mud and soft ground where rain falls; snowy north may limit final fall field operations. Grain transport could face brief delays during heavier precipitation.
  • Confidence: Medium for one or two storm windows; low-medium for exact rain/snow lines.

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

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Seasonal to mild with scattered showers near frontal boundaries; otherwise variable cloud cover.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Intermittent showers and a few thunderstorms possible with passing fronts, especially mid-to-late week if Gulf moisture deepens.
  • Temperature: Near to slightly above average overall, with modest cool-downs post-front.
  • Field impacts: Short delays in low-lying fields after heavier showers; watch for ponding in poorly drained areas. Winter wheat and cover crops benefit from periodic moisture.
  • Confidence: Medium for periodic showers; low-medium for any stronger thunderstorm risk details.

Southeast and Coastal Plain (AL, GA, FL, SC, NC, southern VA)

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Variable clouds with pockets of light rain near the Gulf and Atlantic coasts; inland areas saw longer dry stretches.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Onshore flow and approaching fronts bring periodic showers, with better coverage near the Gulf Coast and Atlantic coastal zones late in the period.
  • Temperature: Near to above seasonal, punctuated by brief, shallow cool-downs. Inland frost risk on clear, calm nights north of the Gulf Coast.
  • Field impacts: Generally favorable winter vegetable and pasture conditions between showers. Citrus and tender ornamentals should prepare for isolated radiation frost events in interior northern Florida and southern Georgia if skies clear overnight.
  • Confidence: Medium for intermittent showers; medium for mild temperature bias tempered by brief cool-offs.

Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Cool with clouds and patchy light precipitation in upslope areas; drier and colder pockets in sheltered valleys.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Two windows for precipitation—light to moderate rain at lower elevations and snow in the higher terrain. Late-period coastal enhancement is possible if a stronger system approaches.
  • Temperature: Near to slightly below normal in higher terrain; near seasonal east of the mountains with variability tied to frontal timing.
  • Field impacts: Wet ground and upslope snowfall may slow forestry and pasture work; monitor freeze-thaw cycles that soften rural roads.
  • Confidence: Medium for two precipitation windows; low-medium for coastal low development details.

Northeast (NY, PA, New England)

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Seasonably cold with areas of light precipitation; snow showers favored in lake-effect and higher-elevation belts when winds align.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Lake-effect periods and one broader system could bring rain south/coast and snow inland/north depending on track and temperatures.
  • Temperature: Near to below normal inland and higher terrain; coastal areas fluctuate near seasonal with maritime influence.
  • Field impacts: Snow and freeze-thaw cycles influence livestock footing and rural access; greenhouse heating demand remains elevated.
  • Confidence: Medium for continued wintry pattern; low-medium for rain/snow transition zones on any larger system.

Intermountain West and Irrigated Valleys (ID, UT, CO, WY)

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Unsettled in the mountains with snow; valleys largely cool and dry between passing disturbances.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Continued mountain snow opportunities; valley precipitation lighter and more sporadic.
  • Temperature: Cool, with colder bursts during storm passages. Inversions possible in quieter periods, trapping cold air in valleys.
  • Field impacts: Snowpack building supports water supply outlooks; watch ice development in canals and troughs during clear, cold nights.
  • Confidence: Medium-high for ongoing mountain snow chances; medium for valley precipitation timing.

Gulf Coast Sugarcane/Citrus and Coastal Agriculture

Last 24 Hours: General Recap

Humid with scattered showers near the immediate coast; inland areas more variable.

7-Day Outlook

  • Precipitation: Periodic coastal showers and a higher-end rain chance with a stronger front late week. Thunderstorms possible if moisture and lift overlap.
  • Temperature: Mild for most of the period; brief cooler push after frontal passage.
  • Field impacts: Harvest disruptions where heavier coastal bands occur; monitor fruit drop risk in gusty showers and plan drainage after downpours.
  • Confidence: Medium for unsettled spells; low-medium for any severe thunderstorm details.

National Agricultural Hazards and Opportunities

  • Freeze and Frost: Recurrent frost/freeze risk north of the Gulf Coast and across interior West, Plains, Midwest, and Northeast—greatest on clear, calm nights behind fronts.
  • Snowpack: Continued beneficial snow in the West’s high country and northern tier supports 2026 irrigation prospects; monitor avalanche advisories where applicable.
  • Wind and Cold Stress: Elevated livestock stress during windy frontal passages in the Plains and northern states; ensure windbreaks, bedding, and reliable water access.
  • Mud and Access: Brief, locally significant mud episodes possible in Delta, Midwest, and East where multiple showers occur; plan transport around drier interludes.
  • Disease Pressure: Low overall in colder regions; brief upticks for small grains and winter vegetables after wet, mild stretches in the South and coastal zones.

Operational Planning Notes for the Next 7 Days

  • Use early-week and midweek dry breaks in the Plains and Corn Belt for equipment maintenance, fertilizer deliveries, and on-farm construction.
  • Stage frost protection for citrus and winter vegetables in interior valleys of California and the Southeast when clear, calm nights align with cooler air.
  • Prepare alternative feeding areas and footing improvements in feedlots ahead of wetter periods to limit animal stress and compaction.
  • Coordinate grain and input logistics around the likely storm windows to minimize transport delays.
  • Monitor local forecasts daily for shifting storm tracks that affect rain/snow lines and coastal wind impacts.

Note: This is a generalized national overview intended for agricultural planning. Always consult your local forecast office and extension services for site-specific decisions.