Article

2024 Late Harvest Weather Outlook

Written by: ForGround by Bayer in Collaboration with the Experts at BAM Weather

We’ve teamed up with BAM Weather meteorologists to bring you a detailed, region-specific weather report for the remainder of the harvest season and beyond. This report isn't just a forecast; it's a helpful tool to make smart choices for your farm. Each month, you’ll get a regional weather analysis, including precipitation, temperature trends and agronomic insights to help guide your planning.

Agronomic Summary

  1. Midwest/Northern U.S.: Continued attention is needed for winter wheat establishment due to dry conditions. Utilize soil moisture conservation practices where applicable.

  2. Southern/Central Plains: Recent rainfall has improved conditions for winter crops; however, be prepared for potential cold snaps in late November.

  3. Eastern U.S.: Anticipate a wetter-than-normal winter, which may delay early spring fieldwork. Consider drainage improvements where necessary.

  4. Western U.S.: The cooler and drier winter outlook may affect irrigation planning for the upcoming growing season; monitor snow accumulation closely.

  5. Upper Midwest: While generally drier, increased precipitation later in winter may enhance soil moisture for spring planting.

Growers are encouraged to stay updated on local forecasts and adjust their plans accordingly, as regional variations may occur within this broader outlook.

November Weather Outlook

Soil Moisture

nov soil moisture

Here is a look at the top 3 feet (100 cm) of soil moisture (in terms of percentiles) for this time of year. Key observations include the majority of the Midwest/Northern US continuing to remain in the bottom 10th percentile (very dry) of soil moisture. Better soil moisture remains across the Southern/Central Plains and portions of the SE US due to more recent/heavier rain events.

U.S. Pattern Changes

nov pattern change

The above image depicts a pattern change across much of the US as we get into the back-end of November (21-27th). It shows colder than normal air being able to work into the Southern and Central US, lasting through right around Thanksgiving. Warmer than normal temperatures will be suppressed to the northern parts of the United States for this timeframe.

November Temperature Outlook

nov temp

Here is a look at the very end of November/start of December temperature forecast. Warmer temperatures will gradually work further south into the US, allowing for the Northern/Northeastern US and Ohio Valley/Great Lakes to be warmer than normal. Cooler/below normal temperatures will be centralized into the Southern/Central Plains and SW US. The “risk” to the period is that cooler air could work further into the Southeast US and areas like the Dakotas/Rockies end up slightly warmer.

November Precipitation Outlook

nov precip

Precipitation for the end of November/start of December will be focused in the Eastern/Southern US as an active pattern with multiple rain systems works through Texas/Oklahoma, and up through the Northeastern US. Below normal rain chances will be present across the western parts of the country, with only the Pacific Northwest seeing above normal rain. Rain chances will still exist across the Northern Plains/Upper Midwest, however most will stay drier than normal.

December Temperature Outlook

dec temp

Looking at December as a whole, warmer/above normal temperatures will continue to work south, allowing for the Eastern half of the United States to remain above normal with much above normal temperatures along the East Coast. Cooler temperatures will be suppressed into the Western US (Rockies and West) for December.

December Precipitation Outlook

ForGround Contentful Images (7)

Precipitation for the month of December will generally be a continuation of the late November/early December thinking across the Eastern US with above normal rain chances outside of the Coastal Regions. The biggest change working forward will be the return for above normal precip across the Upper Midwest and into the Rockies. Below normal precipitation will be seen across the South Central US, West Coast, and far Southeast US.

Winter Weather Temperature Outlook

Winter Temp

Above is the current winter temperature forecast (Dec-Jan-Feb). We continue to remain confident in the general idea of the Eastern US remaining above normal with the Western US remaining below normal in terms of temperatures. What will need to be watched is the Northern Plains/Upper Midwest and if cooler periods throughout winter can sustain themselves, allowing for this part of the country to average out cooler.

Winter Weather Precipitation Outlook

Winter Precip

The current winter forecast for precipitation suggests above normal precip in the Central United States stretching from the Mountain West to the Appalachian Mountains, with drier conditions being seen along the coasts and across the Southern US. “Risks” are that the Tennessee Valley and Mid-Atlantic areas can trend a bit drier for the winter months than shown.

Winter Snow Outlook

Winter Snow

Here is a look at our current winter snow outlook. This is based on analog years (years that resemble the current + forecasted atmospheric patterns) along with how we see winter playing out. Our current thinking is that better snow chances will be seen across the Western/Northwestern US and far Northern US, as well as shots of snow potential across the South Central US (Blues). Below normal snow chances are favored across the majority of the Midwest and up through the Eastern/Northeastern US (Browns). Note: areas in brown won’t 100% see no snow, just less snow opportunities compared to normal.

About the Report:

This report isn't just a forecast; it's a helpful tool to make informed decisions for your farm. As a member of ForGround by Bayer, you'll get a weather forecast just like this delivered straight to your inbox every month. Plus, no matter where you are on your regenerative agriculture journey, with ForGround, you will gain year-round access to science-based agronomic support, insights, and discounts, and will be the first to know when new potential revenue streams arise.

Did you know? ForGround members can now claim an exclusive 20% discount on a BAM Weather Clarity Starter or Clarity Pro subscription for one year. Learn more