Important note for readers: This briefing provides a nationwide agricultural weather overview and outlook based on seasonal patterns typical for early January and widely observed U.S. weather behavior. It does not include live, location-specific observations from the past 24 hours. Conditions vary significantly across counties and microclimates; growers should pair this guidance with trusted local forecasts and on-farm observations.

Valid period for outlook: the next 7 days (through January 12).

Recent Conditions Across U.S. Agricultural Regions (Last 24 Hours)

During early January, U.S. farm belts commonly experience sharp temperature contrasts, fast-moving fronts, and regionally focused precipitation. Over the past day, many producers likely saw at least one of the following patterns depending on location:

  • Northern Plains (MT, ND, SD): Seasonably cold to very cold air with wind-driven chills; light snow or flurries where weak disturbances passed; blowing/drifting in open country. Livestock stress increases with wind exposure.
  • Upper Midwest and Western Corn Belt (MN, WI, IA, NE): Subfreezing temperatures widespread; intermittent light snow or freezing drizzle possible, especially downwind of the Great Lakes and along passing troughs; slick rural roads.
  • Eastern Corn Belt (IL, IN, OH, MI): Freeze conditions with scattered light snow or wintry mix in spots; lake-effect bands impacting Michigan and adjacent areas; low soil temperatures limiting any field access.
  • Central and Southern Plains (KS, OK, TX Panhandle): Dry to mostly dry in many areas with breezy periods; temperatures variable but trending cool to cold at night; wheat fields exposed on higher terrain most vulnerable to desiccation where winds were strongest.
  • Delta and Mid-South (AR, LA, MS, TN, MO Bootheel): Chilly, occasionally damp conditions typical for January; patchy fog or low clouds in river bottoms; scattered light showers possible.
  • Southeast (AL, GA, FL, Carolinas): Mild to seasonably cool; pockets of showers along frontal boundaries and the coastal plain; good chill accumulation for peaches and pecans inland, with frost pockets in interior valleys.
  • Northeast (PA, NY, New England): Mixed rain/snow profile depending on elevation and proximity to the coast; lake-effect snow belts active at times; cold nights supporting dormancy in orchards and vineyards.
  • Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID valleys): Periods of valley rain and mountain snow common; low clouds and drizzle west of the Cascades; snowpack building in the Cascades and northern Rockies benefiting irrigation outlooks.
  • California (Central Valley and coastal growing areas): Onshore flow episodes bringing valley fog, drizzle, or rain at times; Sierra snow likely at higher elevations; intervals of dry breaks between disturbances.
  • Southwest deserts (AZ, NM, SoCal deserts): Predominantly dry with large day–night temperature swings; localized frost risk in wind-sheltered low spots.
  • Central/Rocky Mountain Intermountain (CO, UT, WY): Cold with periodic light snow, more substantial in mountain zones; rangeland conditions dependent on wind and drifting.

Seven-Day National Synopsis

Expect a progressive pattern with quick-moving systems. A series of disturbances over the West favors additional mountain snow and periodic valley rain. Downstream, reinforcing shots of colder air will slide into the Northern Plains and Midwest, while the Gulf and Southeast remain the primary corridors for intermittent showers. Temperature swings will be most pronounced where fronts pass rapidly, with brief warmups ahead of systems and colder air behind them.

Regional Outlook and Agricultural Implications (Next 7 Days)

Northern Plains (MT, ND, SD)

  • Temperatures: Predominantly below normal; recurring wind chills during frontal passages.
  • Precipitation: Light, mainly snow; higher totals near favored upslope and along weak clipper tracks.
  • Field/Livestock: Frozen soils restrict field work. Provide windbreaks and adequate energy in feed rations; monitor waterers for freeze-ups.
  • Winter Wheat: Snow cover, where present, helps; exposed stands at risk during the coldest nights.

Upper Midwest and Western Corn Belt (MN, WI, IA, NE)

  • Temperatures: Generally below to near normal with cold nights; brief moderation possible midweek between systems.
  • Precipitation: Light snow or flurries; localized lake-effect persists downwind of the Great Lakes.
  • Field/Livestock: Limited to no field access; maintain bedding and shelter, especially for young stock.
  • Storage/Transport: Watch for icing on rural routes and at grain sites during overnight and early morning hours.

Eastern Corn Belt (IL, IN, OH, MI)

  • Temperatures: Near to below normal; periodic thaw/freeze cycles around frontal timing.
  • Precipitation: Light snow episodes; mixed precipitation possible near the Ohio River corridor.
  • Soils/Fieldwork: Frozen or saturated top layers limit equipment movement; compaction risk if attempting field entry during brief thaws.

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

  • Temperatures: Variable, with cold nights and occasional milder afternoons; wind episodes likely with fronts.
  • Precipitation: Mostly light and scattered; higher chances north and east of the Panhandle with passing systems.
  • Winter Wheat: Monitor for wind desiccation and freeze burn on exposed, non-snow-covered stands; grazing plans may need to adjust on the coldest, windiest days.
  • Fire Weather: Short windows of elevated grassfire risk in dry, breezy periods.

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

  • Temperatures: Seasonably cool; occasional mild afternoons ahead of fronts.
  • Precipitation: Intermittent light to moderate rain episodes; best coverage along and north of the Gulf moisture axis.
  • Ag Impacts: Damp fields slow off-season fieldwork; disease pressure low to moderate in winter cover crops where moisture lingers.

Southeast (AL, GA, FL, Carolinas)

  • Temperatures: Near normal overall; patchy inland frost on clear nights, milder along the coast.
  • Precipitation: Scattered showers with frontal passages; locally heavier along the Gulf Coast and coastal Carolinas.
  • Specialty Crops: Continued chill accumulation for peaches, pecans, and blueberries; protect sensitive vegetables during radiational frost nights.

Northeast (PA, NY, New England)

  • Temperatures: Near to below normal; colder in interior and higher elevations.
  • Precipitation: Periodic light snow; mixed precipitation possible near the coastal plain during marginal setups; lake-effect remains episodic.
  • Ag Impacts: Stable dormancy for orchards and vineyards; ice management around farmsteads and packing areas remains a priority.

Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID)

  • Temperatures: Near normal west of the Cascades; colder east-side valleys and basins at night.
  • Precipitation: Additional valley rain and mountain snow as systems transit; snowpack continues to build in Cascades and northern Rockies.
  • Ag Impacts: Slippery feedlot conditions possible in wet stretches; orchardists should watch for cold pockets in interior valleys between systems.

California (Central Valley, Salinas, coastal ranges)

  • Temperatures: Seasonable; cool, damp mornings with fog risk in the Central Valley.
  • Precipitation: Periodic rain; Sierra snow at higher elevations. Intervals of dry weather between waves offer field access windows for winter tasks.
  • Ag Impacts: Good reservoir and snowpack contributions from mountain precipitation; monitor for excess humidity in leafy greens and post-harvest storage environments.

Southwest Deserts (AZ, NM, inland SoCal)

  • Temperatures: Large diurnal ranges; chilly nights with localized frost in calm, clear conditions.
  • Precipitation: Mostly dry; a weak disturbance could bring spotty showers to higher terrain.
  • Ag Impacts: Continue frost protection routines for citrus and winter vegetables in low-lying fields.

Central/Rockies and Intermountain (CO, UT, WY)

  • Temperatures: Cold overall, especially at elevation; brief moderation between systems.
  • Precipitation: Snow favored in mountains; light snow chances on adjacent plains with frontal passages.
  • Ag Impacts: Rangeland access influenced by drifting; ensure livestock shelter and monitor body condition scores through the coldest snaps.

Hazards and Planning Guidance

  • Hard Freezes and Frost: Likely inland across the Southeast and Southwest on clear nights. Protect sensitive crops; ventilate high tunnels after sunrise to avoid condensation-related disease.
  • Wind-Driven Cold Stress: Northern Plains, High Plains, and Upper Midwest will see recurring wind chills. Reduce livestock exposure and check water supply lines for freeze risks.
  • Icy Travel and Yard Conditions: Light snow and freezing drizzle events can create slick approaches to bins, barns, and loading areas. Apply traction material and schedule movements during the warmest part of the day where possible.
  • Valley Fog: Central Valley of California and interior river valleys nationally can see dense fog episodes after overnight cooling; allow extra time for harvest or hauling where visibility is limited.
  • Soil Saturation Pockets: Delta, Gulf Coast, and coastal Northwest may experience slow drying between showers; avoid rutting and compaction by deferring heavy equipment until soils support traffic.

Water Resources and Crop Stage Considerations

  • Snowpack: Continued mountain snow in the West supports spring irrigation prospects. Local totals vary by basin; water managers should track weekly snow-water equivalent updates.
  • Dormant Perennials: Chilling requirements in the Southeast and California orchards continue to accumulate under cool nights; monitor cumulative chill hours and adjust pruning and oil spray timing accordingly.
  • Winter Wheat: Protective snow cover is beneficial in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest; exposed fields are most vulnerable during clear, windy cold spells. Evaluate stand condition after the coldest nights.

Actionable Checklist for the Week

  • Stage windbreaks and ensure adequate feed energy density for livestock through cold snaps.
  • Time outdoor work and hauling for midday windows to mitigate ice and low-visibility hazards.
  • Inspect irrigation and stock-water systems daily in freeze-prone areas; insulate exposed lines.
  • Prepare frost protection for Southeast and Southwest specialty crops on nights with calm winds and clear skies.
  • Use dry interludes in California and the Southeast to complete field maintenance and orchard floor management.

This outlook is intended to help agricultural decision-makers plan for typical early-January risks and opportunities. Always verify timing and amounts with local, official forecasts specific to your county.