Soil Temperature in Nebraska
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Nebraska is 76°F, based on 6 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 75°F to 79°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Nebraska with soil averaging 76°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 Nebraska
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Nebraska. 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 Nebraska (6)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Nebraska. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Nebraska. See the Nebraska soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Rogers Farm #1 (Lancaster) | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Johnson Farm (Chase) | 75°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Harrison 20 SSE | 79°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Whitman 5 ENE | 75°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Lincoln 8 ENE | — | 2026-07-02 |
| Lincoln 11 SW | 76°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Nebraska (15)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | 68005 | 77°F |
| Blair | 68008 | 77°F |
| Columbus | 68601 | 76°F |
| Fremont | 68025 | 77°F |
| Grand Island | 68801 | 76°F* |
| Hastings | 68901 | 74°F* |
| Kearney | 68845 | 75°F* |
| Lincoln | 68501 | 76°F |
| Norfolk | 68701 | 78°F* |
| North Platte | 69101 | 75°F |
| Omaha | 68101 | 77°F |
| Oshkosh | 69154 | 75°F |
| Papillion | 68046 | 77°F |
| Scottsbluff | 69361 | 80°F |
| Sidney | 69160 | 75°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 Nebraska
- 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.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Nebraska
What is the current soil temperature in Nebraska?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Nebraska is 76°F, based on 6 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 75°F to 79°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Nebraska?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Nebraska, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Nebraska?
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.