4-Inch Soil Temperature in Kansas
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Kansas is 82°F, measured at 5 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 80°F to 85°F. Soil across Kansas is running 4°F above the seasonal normal of 77°F for mid-August, based on 5 of 5 stations with historical records. Last updated August 9, 2026.
Why the 4-Inch Reading
Every reading here is measured at native 4-inch depth by USDA SCAN (Soil Climate Analysis Network) and NOAA USCRN (US Climate Reference Network) stations — not modeled. The 4-inch root-zone temperature changes more slowly than the surface, making it the steadier signal for established-lawn and garden timing: pre-emergent and broadleaf herbicide windows, fertilizer applications, and core aeration.
Stations Measuring 4-Inch Depth in Kansas (5)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Abrams (Cowley) | 81°F | 2026-08-08 |
| Phillipsburg (Phillips) | 80°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Ku-Nesa (Jefferson) | 85°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Oakley 19 SSW | 82°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Manhattan 6 SSW | 80°F | 2026-08-09 |
Cities in Kansas (16)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Hutchinson | 67501 | — |
| Kansas City | 66101 | 85°F |
| Kansas Lottery | 66652 | 85°F |
| Lawrence | 66044 | 85°F |
| Leawood | 66206 | 85°F |
| Lenexa | 66215 | 85°F |
| Liberal | 67901 | — |
| Manhattan | 66502 | 80°F |
| Mission | 66201 | 85°F |
| Olathe | 66051 | 85°F |
| Overland Park | 66204 | 85°F |
| Salina | 67401 | 80°F |
| Shawnee | 66203 | 85°F |
| Shawnee Mission | 66250 | 85°F |
| Topeka | 66601 | 85°F |
| Wichita | 67201 | 81°F |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Kansas
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Kansas?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Kansas is 82°F, measured at 5 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 80°F to 85°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Kansas is running 4°F above the seasonal normal of 77°F for mid-August, based on 5 of 5 stations with historical records.
What does the 4 inch soil temperature mean?
The 4 inch soil temperature shows conditions deeper in the root zone than the 2 inch germination reading. It is commonly used for established lawn, garden, and agricultural timing because it changes more slowly than the surface layer, so it is a steadier signal for fertilizer, aeration, and weed-control decisions.
Why use 4-inch soil temperature instead of 2-inch?
Use 2 inches for germination decisions, since that is where seeds sit. Use the 4 inch soil temperature for established lawn and garden timing: it reads the root zone, changes more slowly than the surface, and is the depth most fertilizer, aeration, and disease guidance references.
See the national 4-inch soil temperature map, the full Kansas soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.