National Agricultural Snapshot

• Late-winter variability continues nationwide, with alternating warmups and cold fronts across the central and eastern U.S., and periodic Pacific storm impulses in the West.
• Key risks to watch: brief but impactful freezes in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic on clear post-frontal nights; wind-driven fire danger on the High Plains during dry, downslope flow; oversaturated lowlands from repeated showers in the Lower Mississippi Delta; and intermittent spray delays in the West during onshore flow periods.
• Operational windows: short, well-timed 18–36 hour breaks are common between systems—favorable for herbicide/fungicide applications, topdressing winter wheat, or orchard operations if wind/humidity allow.

Regional Breakdown

Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID)

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Typical late-winter pattern with scattered coastal/valley showers and higher-elevation snow; intermittent breezes may have limited spray coverage in exposed fields.

Next 7 days – outlook and risks:

• Periods of light to moderate rain in the lowlands with rain/snow in the Cascades and Blues. Expect several breaks between waves for field access in well-drained ground.
• Cold mornings in interior valleys after frontal passages could bring patchy frost; protect early-bloom stone fruit where microclimates are susceptible.
• Spray timing: target post-frontal windows when winds ease and RH dips; avoid foggy mornings that reduce coverage.
• Irrigation: generally paused outdoors; greenhouse/hoophouse humidity control remains a priority to limit foliar disease.

California Central Valley and Coastal Farming Areas

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Mixed sun/clouds with pockets of showers possible in onshore regimes; cool mornings in interior valleys can slow vine and orchard sap flow.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • Intermittent Pacific systems likely to deliver 1–3 episodes of showers, with clearer intervals in between—important for orchard floor management and pre-bloom sprays.
  • Valley fog remains possible after rain and under clear, calm nights; frost pockets in the northern and southern ends of the Valley on the coldest post-frontal nights.
  • Soil access: heavier ground may stay tacky; plan fertilizer applications and ground rigs during midweek breaks.

Southwest Deserts (AZ, NM low deserts, Imperial/Yuma)

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Seasonable late-winter conditions; cool mornings favor lettuce quality, but breezy periods may have challenged spray uniformity.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • Mostly dry with one or two weak disturbances possible. Day-to-day temperature swings remain manageable; frost risk mainly in coldest rural pockets.
  • Wind: occasional afternoon gusts—plan insecticide or desiccant sprays early morning or during calmer overnight windows.
  • Irrigation: continue light, frequent sets; monitor ET as solar gain increases through the week.

Intermountain West and Rockies (UT, CO, WY, MT high plains)

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Typical mix of mountain snow and valley chill; calving operations may have required windbreaks and dry bedding in exposed ranges.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • Clipper-like systems or Pacific impulses bring periodic light snow to elevations and mixed rain/snow to valleys. Expect temperature whiplash with post-frontal cold snaps.
  • Livestock: wind chills after fronts elevate stress; ensure access to shelter and unfrozen waterers. Watch for ice glaze on lots after refreeze.
  • Winter wheat: maintain snow cover where possible; delay nitrogen topdressing until soils are firm enough to prevent ruts.

Northern Plains (ND, SD, NE, MT east)

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Variable clouds; localized flurries or light precipitation possible; freeze–thaw cycles maintain soft topsoil over frozen subsoil in places.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • Several frontal passages likely with sharp temperature swings. Brief snow or mixed precip possible; blowing snow potential on windy days.
  • Livestock: plan for 12–24 hour cold shots with significant wind chills following fronts.
  • Field prep: avoid compaction during midday thaws; target operations when frost is out and profiles can support equipment.

Southern Plains (KS south, OK, TX)

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Breezy intervals are common this time of year; rangelands can dry rapidly under downslope winds.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • Two to three fronts likely. Ahead of fronts: warm, dry, windy periods elevate fire danger, especially west. Behind fronts: cooler snaps with spotty light precip.
  • Winter wheat: good window for early topdress during warm, dry breaks; look for 4–6 hour spans with winds under 12 mph for uniform application.
  • Calving: prep for one notable post-frontal chill with gusty north winds; windbreaks and dry ground reduce scours risk.

Corn Belt and Upper Midwest (MN, WI, IA, IL, IN, MI, OH, MO)

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Freeze–thaw cycles persist; any light precipitation can quickly refreeze on untreated surfaces overnight.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • One or two systems likely to sweep the region with light rain/snow bands. Expect 1–2 clear, colder nights after frontal passage.
  • Fieldwork: limited on heavy soils; tile-drained fields may offer narrow windows for fertilizer hauling as surfaces firm.
  • Fruit buds (IN/OH/MI): monitor chill accumulation and guard against premature deacclimation during warm spikes.

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

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Repeated shower chances are typical; low-lying fields may remain soft with ponding in poorly drained spots.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • Several rounds of showers or thunderstorms possible, separated by brief, brighter intervals. A strong midweek front is a common pattern this time of year.
  • Severe potential: one window for gusty storms can’t be ruled out—secure tarps and equipment ahead of any squall lines.
  • Planting prep: avoid tillage on saturated ground; prioritize ditch clearing and bed shaping during the driest breaks.

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

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Patchy fog and dew common; isolated showers possible along/near the Gulf and Atlantic corridors.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • Two fronts likely. Between them, warm, humid spells support rapid disease pressure on small grains and winter vegetables.
  • Freeze risk: brief post-frontal cold snaps can dip to frost thresholds inland—protect blooming stone fruit and sensitive truck crops on the coldest night.
  • Florida citrus/vegetables: radiational frost mainly in interior pockets under clear, calm skies; deploy micro-sprinklers or row covers as warranted.

Mid-Atlantic and Northeast (VA northward to ME)

Last 24 hours – agricultural context: Seasonable late-winter variability; light wintry mix possible in the interior; muddy conditions persist on south-facing slopes.

• Next 7 days – outlook and risks:
  • One coastal or inland-tracking system possible with rain near the coast and mixed precipitation inland; followed by a colder, clearer period.
  • Freeze and refreeze: icy mornings likely after any precipitation; manage livestock footing and barn entries.
  • Maple operations: sap flow benefits from freeze–thaw; collection systems should be checked after any windy period.

Seven-Day Planning Guide (by phase rather than specific dates)

Days 1–2: Initial Fronts and Showery Periods

• West: scattered onshore showers; mountain snow. Seek brief spray windows in the Central Valley and coastal gaps.
• Central U.S.: breezy, mild ahead of fronts; isolated light precip behind. High Plains fire risk elevated during dry downslope winds.
• East/South: scattered showers and a few thunderstorms, especially Gulf-adjacent areas; foggy mornings reduce spray efficacy.

Days 3–5: Colder, Clearer Intervals Behind Systems

• Radiational frost potential in interior Southeast and Mid-Atlantic valleys on the clearest night.
• Improved field access in well-drained soils; target fertilizer/spray operations as winds ease and RH moderates.
• Livestock: wind chills on Plains/High Plains immediately after frontal passage; maintain access to shelter and dry bedding.

Days 6–7: Next Wave Approaches

• West: another round of coastal showers; snowpack accumulation resumes at elevation.
• Central/East: renewed chance of widespread showers/storms from the Southern Plains through the Delta into the Southeast; isolated strong storms possible along the leading edge.
• Fieldwork: expect narrowing windows; complete sensitive orchard or small grain applications before humidity and winds increase.

Operational Checklists

Freeze and Frost Readiness

• Protect early-bloom stone fruit in the Southeast/Mid-Atlantic; critical thresholds: 28–30°F for light bloom, 25–28°F for full bloom depending on duration and dew point.
• Stage row covers and wind machines in known cold pockets; verify fuel and irrigation for micro-sprinkler frost protection.

Field Access and Soil Protection

• Delay tillage on wet Delta and Midwest clays to avoid compaction; use controlled traffic lanes where possible.
• Time topdressing on Plains wheat during firm-surface windows; avoid rutting that damages stands.

Spray Quality

• Target winds under 10–12 mph and RH 40–70% for coverage; avoid inversions (pre-sunrise fog, smoke lingering).
• Orchards/vineyards: avoid sprays within 24 hours of expected frost to limit phytotoxicity risk under cold stress.

Livestock and Rangeland

• Prepare for one or two post-frontal chill episodes with gusty winds on the Plains/High Plains; shield newborns from wind and wet bedding.
• Mitigate fire danger on dry rangeland with spark control and equipment checks during warm, windy periods.

Water and Snowpack Notes

• Western mountains: intermittent snow events continue to build late-season snowpack; runoff prospects hinge on storm frequency and spring warmth—monitor basin updates from state agencies.
• Lowland irrigation: mostly paused in the Pacific states outside specialty crops; greenhouse/hightunnel irrigation and humidity management remain active.
• Delta/Mid-South drainage: keep ditches clear; short, intense downpours can quickly overwhelm low spots late in the week.

When to Seek Localized Updates

• Frost or hard-freeze watches/warnings in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic following clear, dry air intrusions.
• Red Flag Warnings on the Southern and High Plains during warm, windy, low-humidity periods.
• Severe thunderstorm outlooks across the Southern Plains to the Southeast during late-week frontal passages.
• Winter weather advisories in the interior Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Upper Midwest during passing waves.