Soil Temperature Map
This interactive soil temperature map shows live readings across the United States from USDA SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and NOAA USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) stations. Use the search bar or “Use My Location” button to find conditions near you, and click any station for detailed readings.
Understanding the Map
The heatmap overlay interpolates soil temperatures between stations to show regional patterns. The Action Status view simplifies this into three categories based on the 4-inch soil temperature:
- Too Cold(below 50°F) — too early for most warm-season lawn activities
- Getting Close(50–55°F) — pre-emergent window is approaching; monitor daily
- Ready(above 55°F) — pre-emergent window is open; apply within 7–10 days
Which Depth Should I Use?
- 2 inches— weed seed germination, shallow-rooted crops
- 4 inches— most lawn care decisions including pre-emergent timing (this is the industry standard referenced on most product labels)
- 8 inches— deep planting, root zone activity, warm-season grass establishment
Popular Locations
Browse All Monitoring Stations
See every USDA SCAN, CSCAN, and NOAA USCRN station with current readings and historical data on the stations index.
About the Data
Soil temperature readings come from the USDA SCAN network of approximately 200 automated stations across the continental United States. Data is updated daily. The heatmap between stations is generated using inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation — readings are most accurate near station locations.