Soil Temperature in Arkansas
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Arkansas is 84°F, based on 7 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 80°F to 93°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Arkansas with soil averaging 84°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Arkansas
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Arkansas. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Arkansas (7)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Arkansas. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Arkansas. See the Arkansas soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Uapb-Lonoke Farm (Lonoke) | 82°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Uapb Campus-PB (Jefferson) | 84°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Uapb-Marianna (Lee) | — | 2026-07-02 |
| Uapb-Earle (Crittenden) | 93°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Uapb Point Remove (Pope) | 84°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Uapb Dewitt (Arkansas) | 82°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Batesville 8 WNW | 80°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Arkansas (40)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Arkadelphia | 71923 | 84°F |
| Batesville | 72501 | 80°F |
| Bella Vista | 72714 | 78°F |
| Benton | 72015 | 84°F |
| Bentonville | 72712 | 78°F |
| Blytheville | 72315 | 93°F |
| Bryant | 72022 | 84°F |
| Camden | 71701 | 82°F |
| Cherokee Village | 72525 | 80°F |
| Conway | 72032 | 84°F |
| El Dorado | 71730 | 82°F |
| Eureka Springs | 72631 | 78°F |
| Fayetteville | 72701 | 78°F |
| Forrest City | 72335 | 112°F |
| Fort Smith | 72901 | 79°F* |
| Harrison | 72601 | 77°F |
| Heber Springs | 72543 | 80°F |
| Hope | 71801 | 78°F* |
| Hot Springs National Park | 71901 | 84°F |
| Hot Springs Village | 71909 | 84°F |
| Jacksonville | 72076 | 82°F |
| Jonesboro | 72401 | 93°F |
| Little Rock | 72201 | 82°F |
| Magnolia | 71753 | 82°F |
| Monticello | 71655 | 81°F |
| Mountain Home | 72653 | 77°F |
| Norfork | 72658 | 80°F |
| North Little Rock | 72114 | 82°F |
| Oden | 71961 | 84°F |
| Paragould | 72450 | 93°F |
| Pine Bluff | 71601 | 84°F |
| Rogers | 72756 | 78°F |
| Russellville | 72801 | 84°F |
| Searcy | 72143 | 82°F |
| Springdale | 72762 | 78°F |
| Timbo | 72657 | 80°F |
| Van Buren | 72956 | 78°F* |
| Walnut Ridge | 72439 | 93°F |
| West Memphis | 72301 | 93°F |
| White Hall | 71602 | 84°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Arkansas
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Cool-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, perennial ryegrass, and the cool-season blends.
- How to Identify and Kill Nutsedge in Your Lawn
Nutsedge is a sedge, not a grass, which is why standard weed control fails.
- How to Apply Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Learn how to mix, calibrate, and spray liquid pre-emergent herbicide.
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Warm-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for St.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Arkansas
What is the current soil temperature in Arkansas?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Arkansas is 84°F, based on 7 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 80°F to 93°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Arkansas?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Arkansas, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Arkansas?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.