Soil Temperature in Missouri
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Missouri is 80°F, based on 15 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 77°F to 85°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Missouri with soil averaging 80°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 Missouri
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Missouri. 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 Missouri (15)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Missouri. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Missouri. See the Missouri soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Spickard (Audrain) | 78°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Dexter (Stoddard) | 85°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Mt Vernon (Lawrence) | 78°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Powell Gardens (Johnson) | 82°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Schell-Osage (St. Clair) | 82°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Journagan Ranch (Douglas) | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
| CMRB LTAR-MO (Boone) | 80°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Elsberry PMC (Lincoln) | 80°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Carver Farm (Cole) | 82°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Shaw Nature Reserve (Franklin) | 85°F | 2026-07-02 |
| LTSP (Shannon) | 80°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Sinkin Forest (Dent) | 82°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Chillicothe 22 ENE | 79°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Joplin 24 N | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Salem 10 W | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Missouri (25)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Ballwin | 63011 | 85°F |
| Blue Springs | 64013 | 82°F |
| Branson | 65615 | 78°F |
| Cape Girardeau | 63701 | 85°F |
| Chesterfield | 63005 | 85°F |
| Columbia | 65201 | 80°F |
| Fenton | 63026 | 85°F |
| Florissant | 63031 | 80°F |
| Hollister | 65672 | 78°F |
| Independence | 64050 | 82°F |
| Jefferson City | 65101 | 82°F |
| Joplin | 64801 | 77°F |
| Kansas City | 64101 | 82°F |
| Lees Summit | 64002 | 82°F |
| Liberty | 64068 | 82°F |
| O Fallon | 63366 | 80°F |
| Osceola | 64776 | 82°F |
| Poplar Bluff | 63901 | 85°F |
| Rolla | 65401 | 77°F |
| Saint Charles | 63301 | 85°F |
| Saint Joseph | 64501 | 78°F |
| Saint Louis | 63101 | 85°F |
| Saint Louis | 63101 | 85°F |
| Sedalia | 65301 | 82°F |
| Springfield | 65801 | 78°F |
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Missouri
- Summer Lawn Dormancy: Keep Cool-Season Grass Alive in Heat
Cool-season grass slows once 2-inch soil sustains 75°F and goes dormant near 85°F.
- When to Apply Grub Control: The 65-70°F Soil Window
Apply preventive grub control (chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid) before eggs hatch, when 2-4 inch soil holds 65-70°F: late June through July in most regions.
- Lawn Fungus by Temperature: Brown Patch, Dollar Spot & More
Brown patch and Pythium strike when humid nights hold above 68°F on lush, over-fertilized turf; dollar spot, red thread, and rust hit slow-growing lawns at 60-85°F.
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Warm-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for St.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Missouri
What is the current soil temperature in Missouri?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Missouri is 80°F, based on 15 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 77°F to 85°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Missouri?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Missouri, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Missouri?
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.