About this report

To avoid presenting unverified or potentially misleading specifics, this report does not include instrument-confirmed, site-level observations from the last 24 hours. It provides a planning-oriented, region-by-region outlook for early February based on typical mid-winter patterns and agricultural risk management principles. For exact local observations and day-by-day forecasts, consult your local National Weather Service office, state Mesonet, or Cooperative Extension.

Current agricultural context at a glance

  • Fieldwork: Limited across the northern half of the country due to freeze–thaw cycles and soft topsoils where above-freezing afternoons occur. Windowed opportunities persist in parts of the Southern Plains, Desert Southwest, and Florida where fields are drier.
  • Overwintering crops: Winter wheat remains dormant to semi-dormant across the Plains and Midwest; chill hours continue for orchards in the West and Southeast.
  • Livestock: Periodic cold snaps and wind events elevate cold-stress risk for cattle in the Plains and Upper Midwest; mud management and bedding are key where daytime thaw occurs.
  • Irrigation and water supply: Western snowpack and reservoir status remain critical for 2026 allocations; intermittent Pacific storm activity typically drives short-term gains, while rain-on-snow can raise runoff/flood concerns in foothills.

Seven-day U.S. agricultural weather themes

Expect a classic mid-winter pattern with alternating shots of cold air across the central and eastern states, periodic storminess in the West, and at least one Gulf moisture return that can bring rain to the Lower Mississippi Valley and Southeast. Day-to-day timing and local intensity will vary by location.

  • Temperatures: Frequent temperature swings. Colder-than-normal spells most likely across the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest at times; milder interludes possible in the Southern Plains and Southeast between fronts.
  • Precipitation:
    • West: Episodes of coastal and mountain precipitation. Snow favored at higher elevations; low snow levels possible with colder trough passages.
    • Central U.S.: Light to moderate precipitation with passing systems; snow risks north, rain south, with mixed wintry precipitation near transition zones.
    • South and East: One or more rounds of Gulf-sourced rain possible, with locally heavy totals in the Lower Mississippi Valley and Southeast; some dry breaks for fieldwork are still likely between events.
  • Wind: Breezy to windy conditions along and behind fronts, especially across the High Plains and Midwest, increasing livestock stress and fire weather concerns on the High Plains during warmer, drier intervals.
  • Frost and freeze: Routine frosts north of the Ohio Valley and in interior West; episodic frost risk extends into the Mid-South and interior Southeast behind stronger fronts. Sensitive specialty crops and early-blooming ornamentals require protection where bloom is advanced.
  • Flooding and runoff: Short-fuse flooding risk rises where heavy rain overlaps saturated soils or where rain-on-snow occurs in western foothills. Lowland ponding likely in Delta and Southeast following heavier episodes.

Region-by-region agricultural outlook (next 7 days)

Pacific Northwest (PNW) – Grains, seed crops, tree fruit

  • Field impacts: Periodic rain west of the Cascades and snow in the mountains. East of the Cascades, expect cold mornings, some sunny breaks, and occasional light snow or freezing drizzle with passing disturbances.
  • Operational notes: Orchardists should continue frost protection preparedness during radiational clear nights. Winter wheat remains largely dormant; soil moisture recharge continues. Watch for icy rural roads affecting milk hauling and input deliveries.

California – Specialty crops, produce, dairies, nut and citrus orchards

  • Field impacts: One or more storm systems likely to bring rounds of valley rain and mountain snow. Brief heavy downpours may cause field ponding in low spots and slow harvests of cool-season vegetables in coastal and Central Valley districts.
  • Operational notes: Protect citrus from cold pockets on post-frontal clear nights; wind machines and micro-sprinklers may be needed where minimums dip near critical thresholds. Orchard floor management important to reduce disease pressure. Monitor for rain-on-snow runoff in Sierra foothill watersheds.

Southwest Deserts (AZ/NM) – Winter vegetables, citrus, forage

  • Field impacts: Mostly dry windows favored, punctuated by a passing disturbance that can deliver light rain and mountain snow. Cool mornings with patchy frost in outlying fields.
  • Operational notes: Favorable harvest and planting windows between any showers. Continue frost mitigation for tender vegetables and citrus during the coldest nights.

Northern Plains (MT/ND/SD) – Livestock, spring wheat, oilseeds

  • Field impacts: Cold spells with light snow events or flurries at times; blowing snow possible with stronger fronts. Limited field activity.
  • Operational notes: Livestock cold-stress and wind chill management remain priorities; ensure wind breaks, bedding, and water access. Monitor propane supplies and barn ventilation during prolonged cold.

Central and Southern Plains (NE/KS/OK/TX Panhandle) – Winter wheat, cattle, hay

  • Field impacts: Temperature swings with one or more fronts producing light precipitation—rain south, a wintry mix or snow north. Short, workable windows likely between systems, especially in the south.
  • Operational notes: Dormant to semi-dormant wheat generally resilient; brief warmth may reduce hardiness—avoid grazing wet fields to limit crown damage. Prepare windbreaks and supplemental feed ahead of colder shots; fire weather can increase on warm, dry, windy days.

Midwest/Corn Belt (MN/WI/IA/IL/IN/MI/OH) – Row crops, hogs, dairy

  • Field impacts: Alternating freeze–thaw with periodic light to moderate snow or rain depending on latitude. Icy rural roads and muddy feedlots during thaws.
  • Operational notes: Protect livestock from wind chill during post-frontal cold. Grain movement may be briefly disrupted by slick conditions. Tile-drained fields continue to shed excess moisture; avoid compaction on any attempted field passes.

Delta and Lower Mississippi Valley (AR/LA/MS/TN) – Winter wheat, rice prep, cotton prep

  • Field impacts: At least one round of widespread rain likely; locally heavy episodes can lead to field ponding and slow row-crop ground prep.
  • Operational notes: Plan logistics around dry interludes to move equipment and inputs. Monitor low-lying fields for ponding; maintain drainage outlets. Post-frontal chill may bring patchy frost inland.

Southeast (AL/GA/FL/Carolinas) – Vegetables, peanuts prep, pasture, citrus

  • Field impacts: Periods of rain, some locally heavy along Gulf and Atlantic coastal corridors, with dry breaks between systems. Inland frost possible behind stronger fronts.
  • Operational notes: Citrus and winter vegetables should be protected in typical cold pockets; row covers and irrigation strategies remain useful. Saturated soils raise disease pressure—adjust fungicide schedules as appropriate.

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast – Dairy, hay, orchards, specialty crops

  • Field impacts: Mixed precipitation possible with passing systems; snow north and interior, rain near the coast. Freeze–thaw cycles continue.
  • Operational notes: Orchardists should track chill accumulation and guard against premature pruning ahead of potential Arctic shots. Maintain de-icing supplies for farm lanes and milk pickup routes.

Rockies and Intermountain West – Cattle, hay, specialty crops

  • Field impacts: Mountain snow episodes maintain or add to snowpack; valleys see cold mornings, occasional light snow, and sunny breaks.
  • Operational notes: Avalanche awareness for backcountry operations. Monitor roofs and structures for snow loading. Stockpile access roads before the next snow cycle.

Risk watchouts and management tips (next 7 days)

  • Cold stress on livestock: Prepare shelter, bedding, and energy-dense rations ahead of colder pushes; ensure unfrozen, accessible water.
  • Frost on specialty crops: Use row covers, wind machines, or micro-irrigation in known frost hollows after frontal passages when skies clear and winds drop.
  • Mud and compaction: Defer nonessential field passes on saturated soils to protect structure; prioritize maintenance, input staging, and drainage checks during wet periods.
  • Disease pressure: In vegetable and orchard systems, adjust protectant spray intervals where wetness duration increases; scout for botrytis, mildews, and soil-borne pathogens.
  • Flood and runoff: Clear culverts and ditches; protect chemical and fuel storage from flood-prone areas; prepare erosion controls on sloped fields.
  • Wind events: Secure irrigation linears and hoop houses; plan manure applications to avoid drift and loss on windy days.

What to monitor locally

  • Minimum temperatures following frontal passages for frost/freeze thresholds on citrus, vegetables, and early-blooming ornamentals.
  • Snow level forecasts in western foothills for rain-on-snow runoff risk.
  • Hourly wind forecasts during cattle work, calving, and prescribed burns.
  • Short-term precipitation totals versus field capacity to time equipment movement and applications.

For precise local forecasts, radar, and observed 24-hour totals, check your local National Weather Service office, state Mesonet, and Cooperative Extension advisories.