Farmers across the United States are navigating classic early-February conditions: frequent frontal passages across the central states, chilly air in the north, occasional warmups in the south, and periodic Pacific systems brushing the West. This pattern generally favors brief but impactful weather swings for fieldwork, winter wheat care, livestock management, and storage operations.

Note: This national brief is intended for agricultural planning and awareness. Conditions vary widely by county. Always consult your local National Weather Service office or extension for precise, location-specific advisories and forecasts.

National Overview

  • Storm track: Typical early-February disturbance tracks across the northern and central U.S. bring intermittent snow north and rain south, with breezy conditions near fronts.
  • Temperature gradient: Colder air dominates the northern tier and higher elevations; milder intervals appear from the southern Plains through the Southeast and parts of California’s lower elevations.
  • Moisture: The Delta, Gulf Coast, and Southeast are prone to periodic showers; the Midwest and Northern Plains see snow chances, while the West toggles between valley rain/mountain snow and quieter spells depending on Pacific storm timing.
  • Agricultural implications: Short windows for fieldwork, freeze potential on clear nights in the South, winter wheat dormancy management in the Plains, and livestock cold-stress episodes following frontal passages.

Regional Detail

Midwest Corn Belt (IA, IL, IN, OH, MO, eastern KS/NE, southern WI/MI)

Past 24 Hours

Seasonal early-February variability is expected: where a front passed, areas likely saw light snow north and light rain or mixed precipitation to the south, with breezy, colder air behind the boundary. Elsewhere, quieter but cold conditions favored icy spots and slick rural roads.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: 1–2 light-to-moderate events possible. Snow favors MN/WI/MI and the northern tier; rain or a wintry mix more probable toward MO/IL/IN/OH.
  • Temperatures: Swings around seasonal norms—brief thaws in the south/central Corn Belt; colder snaps north. Single-digit to subzero wind chills are possible after frontal passages in the Upper Midwest.
  • Fieldwork: Frozen soils may support limited equipment access in the north; thaw-freeze cycles south can create mud and ruts. Plan hauling/manure applications during morning freezes where allowed.
  • Grain handling: Humid spells and temperature swings can induce condensation in bins; check aeration and moisture.
  • Livestock: Provide windbreaks and dry bedding during post-frontal cold; monitor waterers for freeze-ups.

Northern Plains & Upper Midwest (ND, SD, northern NE, MN)

Past 24 Hours

Typical winter weather—light snow or flurries near disturbances, with brisk winds producing localized blowing and drifting in open country. Where skies cleared, overnight cold intensified.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: Periodic light snow; a narrow band of moderate accumulation is possible with any stronger clipper.
  • Temperatures: Predominantly below seasonal averages. Arctic shots remain possible, especially on clear, calm nights.
  • Operations: Maintain snow fence lines and monitor rural routes for drifting. Cold-chain integrity for perishables is generally helped by ambient temps but watch for freeze damage.
  • Livestock: Elevated cold stress risk—ensure shelter, adequate energy intake, and unfrozen water supplies.

Central & Southern Plains (KS, OK, TX Panhandle and north/central TX, eastern CO, western OK/TX wheat)

Past 24 Hours

Frontal movement likely brought gusty winds and a quick temperature drop, with scattered light rain south and mixed precipitation or flurries north and west. Where skies cleared, radiational cooling was effective overnight.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: Spotty light precipitation opportunities; better rain chances nearer the Red River and east TX, lighter/snow-showery potential toward the High Plains.
  • Temperatures: Variable—mild interludes interspersed with cold shots. Avoid premature wheat green-up if a stronger cold snap follows; consider delaying nitrogen topdress where a hard freeze is plausible shortly after application.
  • Wind: Periodic gusts increase wildfire risk on dry days, particularly west; clear debris and be cautious with prescribed burns.
  • Livestock: Prepare for wide diurnal swings; provide mud management around feeders following any wetting events.

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

Past 24 Hours

Intermittent showers and cloud cover are typical with Gulf moisture in play. Patchy fog likely formed where winds were light.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: Several opportunities for showers; a few heavier pockets possible along and ahead of fronts.
  • Temperatures: Generally mild with periodic cool-downs behind fronts; sporadic radiational fog on calmer nights.
  • Fieldwork: Short windows between rains—plan drainage checks and surface prep accordingly; watch for rutting.
  • Disease risk: Humid, mild intervals favor winter disease pressure in small grains and cover crops; scout and manage residue.

Southeast (AL, GA, FL, SC, NC)

Past 24 Hours

Patchy showers near frontal remnants and the Gulf/Atlantic coasts. Cool mornings inland; milder along the immediate coast. Fog possible at daybreak, especially near wetlands and waterways.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: Scattered showers at times; heavier pockets near the Gulf Coast and Atlantic coastal plain during frontal passages.
  • Temperatures: Mostly seasonable to mild; brief radiational freezes possible inland on clear, calm nights—protect sensitive winter vegetables and citrus where applicable.
  • Field operations: Intermittent drying windows; consider bed shaping and plasticulture checks between showers.
  • Pest/disease: Mild, humid spells may support early-season disease vectors; review spray intervals where appropriate.

Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Specialty Crops (VA, MD, PA, NJ, NY, New England)

Past 24 Hours

Light snow or mixed precipitation north; rain more likely south and along the coast, with breezy conditions as systems moved offshore. Clear breaks led to chilly nights inland.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: 1–2 events possible—snow favored inland/high terrain; rain/mix toward the coastal plain.
  • Temperatures: Near to below normal overall; watch for freeze-thaw cycles impacting rural roads and orchard access.
  • Orchards/vineyards: Maintain insulation mulch and trunk protection; avoid pruning immediately before a strong cold snap.
  • Maple operations: Sap runs fluctuate with freeze-thaw; monitor taps and storage temperatures.

California Central Valley & Coastal Growing Regions

Past 24 Hours

Typical early-February variability: valley fog where skies cleared and winds were light; coastal zones experienced marine clouds or passing showers if a Pacific disturbance lingered offshore.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: Periodic chances for valley rain and mountain snow with any Pacific fronts; otherwise dry intervals with morning Tule fog in the Central Valley.
  • Temperatures: Cool nights in interior valleys; mild afternoons when skies are clear. Coastal fields stay temperate.
  • Fieldwork: Fog may delay early-day operations; orchard floor management and drainage remain priorities.
  • Produce handling: Watch post-harvest condensation and cold injury during clear, cool nights.

Southwest Deserts (AZ, southern NV, low deserts of CA)

Past 24 Hours

Mostly dry with large day-night temperature spreads; if a weak Pacific wave grazed the region, clouds and a brief sprinkle were possible.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: Limited, with low chances of light showers if a system clips the area.
  • Temperatures: Mild days and cool to cold nights in low-lying spots; localized frost possible in wind-sheltered fields on the coldest mornings.
  • Irrigation: Light, frequent sets mitigate evapotranspiration swings; monitor soil temperatures for leafy greens.

Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID valleys)

Past 24 Hours

Showery periods west of the Cascades with snow in the mountains are common in this season; inland valleys trend colder with occasional fog where skies opened.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: Onshore flow episodes bring valley rain and mountain snow; interior basins see lighter precipitation with potential for freezing fog.
  • Temperatures: Cool overall; cold mornings in protected inland valleys.
  • Tree fruit/hops: Maintain canker and mildew prevention where wet; schedule pruning on drier, breezy days to aid wound drying.

Intermountain West & Rockies (MT, WY, UT, CO, inland WA/OR highlands)

Past 24 Hours

Light to moderate mountain snow and colder valley temperatures typical where disturbances crossed; clear breaks promoted sharp overnight cooling.

Next 7 Days

  • Precipitation: Periodic mountain snow continues; valley precipitation lighter and spottier.
  • Temperatures: Below to near normal; coldest nights follow clearing skies and light winds.
  • Rangeland/livestock: Snow cover and wind can increase energy needs; ensure access to unfrozen water and wind protection.

Operational Planning: The Week Ahead

  • Field access: Target morning hours during freeze-supported ground conditions in the Midwest and northern Plains; avoid rutting during afternoon thaws.
  • Freeze protection: Prepare row covers and irrigation for Southeast nursery and specialty crops ahead of any clear, calm night forecasts inland.
  • Wheat management: In the central/southern Plains, time topdress nitrogen to avoid immediate post-application hard freezes where possible.
  • Livestock care: Stage extra bedding and windbreaks before frontal passages. Check waterers and ensure backup power for aerators and heaters.
  • Storage & quality: Ventilate grain and produce storage during cool, dry periods to limit condensation and molds; monitor sensors after humidity spikes.
  • Irrigation & erosion: In the Delta/Southeast, confirm drainage and sediment controls ahead of any heavier showers; in the West, maintain culverts and orchard berms before Pacific systems arrive.

Day-by-Day Pacing Guide

Early February often brings 1–3 quick-moving disturbances over a week. Use this pacing guide to sequence tasks around typical windows:

  • Early week: A frontal passage commonly affects the central U.S.—expect breezy, cooler conditions behind it; use pre-frontal mild periods for outdoor maintenance and hauling.
  • Midweek: Short break in many areas; capitalize on drier spells for spot fieldwork, pruning, and equipment service. Inland valleys may see fog delays.
  • Late week: Another wave is possible—tighten livestock shelter and check drainage ahead of precipitation; pause operations in saturated fields.
  • Weekend: Post-frontal cold favors freeze risk in the South and wind chills in the north; focus on protection and storage checks.

Safety and Resources

  • Monitor local National Weather Service forecasts and advisories for your county.
  • Coordinate with cooperative extension for crop- and variety-specific thresholds, especially for freeze protection and disease windows.
  • Review worker safety plans for cold stress, wet-weather slips, and low-visibility operations during fog.