Between January 23 and 25, 2026, a major winter storm driven by an Arctic cold front is forecast to strike the Southern U.S., unleashing heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerous cold. This wide-reaching event could significantly impact agricultural operations, infrastructure, and livestock across the Plains, Mid-South, and Mid-Atlantic.

Se espera que una poderosa masa de aire del Ártico que barre los Estados Unidos genere una importante tormenta invernal desde el viernes 23 de enero hasta el domingo 25 de enero , trayendo nieve generalizada, hielo y peligrosas temperaturas bajo cero desde las llanuras del sur hasta el Atlántico medio .

Triggered by a cold front descending from the north, the system will collide with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, producing a volatile mix of heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Temperatures 20-40°F below normal are expected to grip much of the country, especially from Texas through the Ohio Valley and into the Northeast.

The storm system, currently off the California coast, will intensify as it moves inland Thursday night, pulling Gulf moisture over frigid surface air. This setup is forecast to produce over a foot of snow in areas from eastern New Mexico to Virginia, while a swath from central Texas through the Carolinas may see over 0.50 inches of freezing rain - a potentially crippling ice event.

Key agricultural areas, especially those with livestock operations, may face severe disruptions. The forecast includes:

• Heavy snow accumulation from the Southern Plains to the Mid-Atlantic

• Significant ice risks from central Texas through the Southeast

• Daytime highs below zero in parts of the Upper Midwest and single digits as far south as Texas

• Power outages and infrastructure damage due to ice and wet snow

• Flooding risks where frozen ground prevents water absorption

Winds, while not extreme, could still contribute to downed trees and powerlines, while follow-up cold will slow restoration efforts. Travel may become nearly impossible in affected southern regions, which are not equipped to handle severe winter conditions.

Forecast models differ on how far north the snow band will reach, but areas from Kansas through Ohio and up to the Northeast should prepare for varying degrees of snowfall and wintry mix. As the coldest week of the year historically hits, this storm is poised to bring multi-layered impacts across nearly the entire eastern half of the U.S.

For agriculture professionals, the event poses threats to winter wheat, transportation of ag goods, and animal welfare. Producers are urged to prepare infrastructure, monitor forecasts closely, and anticipate energy and logistics disruptions heading into next week.