California specialty crops and the Central Valley

Late January often alternates between cool, fog-prone high-pressure stretches and quick-moving Pacific systems. Valley fog can slow harvest and hauling early in the day; onshore systems bring beneficial precipitation for orchards and winter cover crops, but short-term field access can be limited. Orchard managers should watch for cold, clear nights that dip near critical thresholds for almonds, citrus, and nursery stock; wind machines and microsprinklers remain key tools where warranted.

Soil moisture is typically adequate to improving as the wet season progresses. Where storm tracks favor the coast and foothills, expect brief flooding in low-lying fields and siltation in drainages; keep checks clear and plan for delayed ground work immediately after heavier rain.

Pacific Northwest winter wheat and seed crops

Freeze–thaw cycles are common now. Snow cover, if present, is protective; bare, windy fields can see desiccation and heaving. Light to moderate precipitation from passing systems helps topsoil moisture but can glaze roads and yards at night. Scout for ponding in poorly drained spots and monitor for crown freezing if temperatures plunge following rain. In irrigated valleys, protect exposed infrastructure from hard freezes during radiational-cooling nights.

Mountain West hay, cattle, and snowpack-dependent irrigation

Snowpack accumulation in the ranges is pivotal for spring allocations; periodic storms increase avalanche danger in the backcountry and can temporarily restrict access to rangeland. Bitter cold snaps elevate livestock energy demands; provide windbreaks and ensure reliable water access. Where inversions trap cold air in valleys, air quality can decline and daytime thaw may be minimal, extending icy conditions.

Northern Plains small grains and livestock (MT, ND, SD, WY, MN)

January typically brings sharp temperature gradients and bouts of wind. Livestock cold stress escalates rapidly with blowing snow and subfreezing wind chills; prioritize bedding, wind protection, and unfrozen water. Farmsteads can drift in after light snow events; keep equipment ready for snow management. For overwintering wheat, snow cover is beneficial; exposed stands are vulnerable to desiccation during windy, dry spells.

Upper Midwest corn/soy and dairy (IA, WI, MN, MI)

Expect intermittent light snow or wintry mix episodes interspersed with colder, dry days. These windows allow grain hauling and maintenance, but watch for slick pavements during transitions. Barn ventilation needs balancing with heat conservation to limit condensation and respiratory issues. Manure applications are constrained on frozen or snow-covered ground; use dry stretches to manage storage and plan spring fields.

Central Corn Belt (IL, IN, OH, MO)

Changeable late‑January patterns can bring quick swings—rain to mix to colder, breezy conditions. Short dry breaks enable equipment service, bin checks, and input logistics. Saturated soils in low-lying fields are vulnerable to ruts and compaction; defer heavy traffic until surface firmness improves. Monitor rural streams for short‑fuse rises if a soaking rain follows a thaw.

Southern Plains winter wheat and cattle (KS, OK, TX Panhandle)

Radiational freezes remain a risk on clear nights, particularly following dry, breezy days that strip near-surface moisture. Weak wheat stands are sensitive to temperature dips and wind; residue cover helps. Light precipitation events are valuable for tillering when temperatures moderate. For cow–calf operations, have a plan for rapid temperature drops; black ice can form quickly after evening moisture.

Delta and Lower Mississippi Valley (AR, MS, LA, western TN)

This time of year favors periodic rain bands with mild interludes. Field workability is day-to-day; prioritize drainage maintenance and avoid unnecessary wheel traffic on moist profiles. Warm, humid windows may spur early weed pressure in fallow fields—consider timely burn‑downs when surfaces are dry enough to carry equipment without damage.

Deep South and Southeast row crops, peanuts, and citrus (AL, GA, FL, SC, NC)

Freeze risk persists inland and in northern zones; coastal and peninsular areas trend milder but can still see radiational cold following clear, calm evenings. Citrus and winter vegetable protection remains a priority during any forecasted cold snaps. Passing fronts can deliver soaking rains; watch for standing water in flatwoods and plan post‑rain disease management for winter vegetables and nurseries.

Mid-Atlantic small grains and specialty crops (VA, MD, DE, PA, NJ)

Fluctuating temperatures produce a mix of chilly rain and occasional snow or ice, especially inland. Winter grains benefit from consistent cold or a stable snow cover; frequent freeze–thaw cycles raise heaving risk on poorly drained soils. Keep an eye on orchard chill accumulation and prune during drier, calmer stretches to minimize disease entry.

Northeast dairy and mixed farms (NY, New England)

Short‑daylight operations hinge on safe travel and barn management amid cold snaps and light snow bursts. Ice formation on driveways and barnyards is a recurring hazard after daytime thaws; maintain traction materials and drainage. For maple producers preparing for taps, temperature swings near freezing are favorable but can complicate access on thawed roads.

West Coast and Interior West

• Storm windows: 1–3 shortwave systems possible in a week-long span, each capable of valley rain and mountain snow. Expect 12–36 hours of reduced field access following the wetter systems.
• Cold nights: Clear breaks can drop valley lows near or below freezing; be prepared to protect sensitive crops and infrastructure.
• Mountain travel: Periodic chain controls likely; plan inputs and hauling around pass closures where applicable.

Pacific Northwest wheat belt

• Moisture: Light to moderate precipitation spaced every couple of days maintains soil moisture; monitor for surface ponding.
• Freeze–thaw: Expect alternating thawed top inch and refreeze overnight; avoid compaction by limiting traffic during marginal thaws.
• Wind: Brief gusty periods behind fronts increase desiccation risk for exposed wheat crowns.

Northern Plains and Upper Midwest

• Temperature swings: 20–40°F swings through the week are common; plan livestock care for the coldest 24–36-hour window.
• Snow chances: Light, fast-moving clipper-style snows possible; brief blowing and drifting in open country.
• Field operations: Select the cold, dry days for grain hauling; watch salt/chemical use around livestock to avoid runoff during the next thaw.

Central Corn Belt

• Precipitation: One soaking system is possible; otherwise, scattered light events. Use 1–2-day dry breaks for maintenance and logistics.
• Wintry mix risk: Transition zones may see freezing rain; preposition ice-melt and delay movements during onset periods.
• Storage: Check bins for condensation during milder intervals; aerate when outside air is cool and dry.

Southern Plains

• Freeze pockets: Radiational freezes after clear evenings; protect hydrants and consider brief irrigation to buffer tender stands where appropriate.
• Moisture: Light precipitation chances can support wheat tiller vigor; grazing plans may shift if pastures get muddy.
• Wind: Downslope or post-frontal winds raise fire danger on the driest days; manage residues accordingly.

Delta

• Rain events: One or two broader rain shields likely; anticipate 1–3 days of reduced trafficability afterward.
• Warm spells: Brief mild, humid stretches may accelerate winter weed emergence; time herbicide applications to drier surfaces.
• Rivers and bayous: Watch for quick rises after heavier rains; inspect levees and drains.

Southeast and Florida

• Freeze watch: Inland sites may need covers or microsprinklers on the coldest night or two; coastal zones trend milder but not immune.
• Showers: Intermittent fronts bring squally showers; foliar disease risk rises on winter vegetables and small grains.
• Field access: Sandy soils recover faster; heavier soils may need an extra dry day before equipment entry.

Mid-Atlantic

• Mixed precipitation: Rain-to-snow or freezing rain scenarios possible; prepare de-icing supplies and adjust livestock movements.
• Drainage: Clear inlets and outlets ahead of the wettest system to minimize ponding on winter grains and hay fields.
• Orchards: Time pruning for the driest, least windy days; avoid immediately after soaking rains.

Northeast

• Clipper snows: Light, frequent snow chances with occasional lake enhancement; visibility reductions for rural travel.
• Thaw–refreeze: Manage runoff from barnyards to prevent ice sheets; sand high-traffic areas.
• Energy: Plan for a peak heating demand period midweek if the coldest air arrives; check generators and fuel.