Note: This report provides a high-level, agriculture-focused national weather overview and planning guidance. It does not include live station observations. For site-specific current conditions and official forecasts, consult the National Weather Service (weather.gov) and your state extension service.

National recap: last 24 hours (agricultural lens)

Across the United States’ major agricultural regions, the past day reflected typical mid-winter variability, with cold conditions in northern latitudes, periodic moisture along coastal and southern tiers, and day-to-day temperature swings on the Plains. Key takeaways for growers and ranchers:

• Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies: Frequent winter storm passages commonly bring rain in low elevations and snow in the mountains, sustaining seasonal snowpack. Short-lived road and field access constraints are possible near the Cascades and northern Rockies after any passing systems.
• California (Central Valley and coastal specialty crops): Mid-winter often alternates between quiet periods with dense night/morning fog in the Valley and occasional fronts in the north. Fog can slow drying, suppress daytime sunshine, and complicate harvest or pruning schedules.
• Desert Southwest (winter vegetables and forage): Generally dry with large day–night temperature ranges. Radiational cooling in calm, clear pockets can produce localized frost, especially in low-lying fields.
• Northern Plains (wheat, cattle) and Upper Midwest (dairy, corn/soy region): Fast-moving clippers and cold intrusions are a mid-winter staple, bringing bursts of light snow, brisk winds, and wind chills. Livestock cold stress rises during windy overnight periods; sheltered watering points and windbreaks remain important.
• Central and Southern Plains (winter wheat, cattle): Variable temperatures with occasional gusty downslope winds and dry air can increase evaporative demand. Surface dryness may persist where precipitation has been limited, maintaining wildfire and blowing dust sensitivity on open range.
• Corn Belt (western/eastern): Freeze–thaw cycles are common, creating muddy lots by day and crusted surfaces by night. Light snow or flurries on the northern tier and lake-effect bands can briefly reduce visibility and hinder hauling.
• Delta and Mid-South: Gulf moisture frequently supports low clouds, drizzle, and intermittent showers. Poor drying conditions can keep topsoils tacky and limit field preparation windows.
• Southeast (citrus, row crops, pasture): Passing fronts often deliver scattered showers; fog is common on calm mornings. Interior locations occasionally flirt with light freezes during post-frontal clear spells; coastal belts tend milder.
• Northeast (dairy/hay, specialty crops): Mixed precipitation is typical along the coastal plain with snow inland. Brief icing is possible during marginal setups; rural roads and farm lanes may become slick at night.

Seven-day outlook: what producers should plan for

This week’s pattern should continue to feature progressive systems on the northern tier and periodic moisture along the West Coast and Southeast, with large day–night temperature swings inland. Use the guidance below as planning guardrails; always confirm timing and amounts with local forecasts.

West

• Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies: Expect additional rounds of rain (low elevations) and mountain snow. Snowpack-building conditions persist in the Cascades and northern Rockies. Watch for short-term flood risk on windward slopes during any warmer, wetter pulses and for avalanches in backcountry zones.
• California:
  • North: Occasional fronts could bring light to moderate rain; vineyard and orchard operations may see short wet interruptions.
  • Central Valley: High fog potential on calm nights; slow drying between systems. Orchard sanitation and pruning windows will open during clearer, breezier breaks.
  • South: Mostly dry to intermittently showery along coastal hills; frost pockets possible inland on clear, calm nights.
• Desert Southwest: Predominantly dry. Plan for radiational cooling and localized frost on calm nights; protect sensitive winter vegetables and irrigated forage where needed.

Plains

• Northern Plains: Additional clipper-type disturbances may bring light snow, gusty winds, and notable wind chills. Livestock cold stress may spike briefly; maintain access to unfrozen water and wind protection. Snow cover variability will continue to drive wheat crown insulation.
• Central Plains: Wide temperature swings are possible with mostly lighter precipitation. Expect periods of low humidity and breezy conditions that elevate fire weather concerns on cured grasses.
• Southern Plains: Generally limited precipitation with intermittent frontal passages. Winter wheat condition will hinge on soil moisture reserves; brief freezes are possible behind fronts, with minimal risk to dormant stands but potential burn on actively growing tillers in the far south.

Midwest and Corn Belt

• Periodic weak systems can deliver light snow north and flurries/drizzle farther south. Freeze–thaw cycles will produce muddy pens and variable lot conditions. Lake-effect episodes remain possible downwind of the Great Lakes after colder shots.
• Fieldwork windows remain narrow but present between systems; prioritize maintenance, manure management during colder mornings, and grain movement during drier afternoons.

Delta and Mid-South

• Intermittent Gulf-fed showers are possible on several days, with stretches of low clouds and poor drying. Watch for ruts and compaction risk during any brief field operations. Post-harvest field prep and drainage work fit best into shorter, breezier dry breaks.
• Nighttime fog can be dense near waterways; plan transport and harvesting logistics accordingly.

Southeast

• Multiple fronts may pass, each offering showers and a quick cool-down. Citrus and tender specialty crops should be monitored for light freeze risk in interior valleys following any clearing behind fronts.
• Excess humidity favors fungal pressure in vegetable and berry operations; schedule fungicide rotations around expected wet periods and allow for canopy drying during breaks.

Northeast

• Another round or two of mixed precipitation is possible, with inland snow and coastal rain. Expect slick rural roads overnight during marginal setups. Snowpack continuity will vary with elevation and proximity to the ocean.
• Livestock operations should prepare for brief wind-driven cold behind systems; ensure bedding stays dry and draft-free.

Actionable planning cues for the week ahead

• Field access and soil protection: With freeze–thaw common, use controlled traffic where possible to prevent compaction. Time equipment moves for mornings when surfaces are firmer.
• Manure management: Target applications on frozen, snow-free ground with no imminent rainfall forecast; maintain setbacks from waterways. Avoid spreading before thaw/rain combinations.
• Winter wheat: Maintain residue for snow catch and crown insulation in the Plains. Delay topdress nitrogen until sustained soil temperatures trend above dormancy thresholds and precipitation timing supports uptake, not runoff.
• Tree fruit and vineyards: Prune during drier, breezier breaks. In fog-prone valleys, anticipate slower wound drying; consider protective fungicide where appropriate and follow all label directions.
• Vegetables (Desert Southwest and Southeast): Prepare frost cloths or micro-sprinklers for clear, calm nights. Schedule irrigations to finish early day to reduce nighttime leaf wetness.
• Livestock cold stress: Monitor wind chills during clipper passages in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Provide windbreaks, dry bedding, and adjust energy rations as advised by your nutritionist during the coldest spells.
• Transport and logistics: Anticipate intermittent slick spots from light snow, drizzle, or fog in the Midwest, Northeast, Delta, and Southeast. Plan grain and input deliveries for drier, breezier windows.
• Wildfire awareness (Central/Southern High Plains): During dry, windy periods with low humidity, minimize hot work in cured grasses and secure equipment chains to prevent sparks.

What to monitor each day

• Minimum temperatures and wind: Identify nights with freeze/frost risk and wind chills for livestock. Wind can negate frost protection strategies that rely on inversion layers.
• Short, high-impact precipitation windows: A few hours of rain or snow can change field access for days; adjust operations accordingly.
• Fog potential: Especially in the Central Valley, Delta, and Southeast river bottoms; impacts harvest schedules, spray timing, and transport.
• Soil temperature trends: Track 2–4 inch soil temps for winter wheat topdressing timing and orchard floor management.
• Local advisories: Freeze warnings, wind advisories, winter weather advisories, and fire weather statements from the NWS.

Official resources for your town or county

• National Weather Service local forecast: weather.gov
• National Blend of Models hourly trends: weather.gov/forecastmaps
• Climate Prediction Center outlooks: cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
• State extension weather networks (e.g., Mesonets): consult your state’s agriculture or land-grant university website.