4-Inch Soil Temperature in Kansas
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Kansas is 71°F, measured at 6 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 67°F to 76°F. Soil across Kansas is running 3°F above the seasonal normal of 68°F for late September, based on 6 of 6 stations with historical records. Last updated September 24, 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 (6)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Abrams (Cowley) | 76°F | 2026-09-24 |
| Phillipsburg (Phillips) | 68°F | 2026-09-24 |
| Centralia Lake (Nemaha) | 67°F | 2026-09-24 |
| Ku-Nesa (Jefferson) | 76°F | 2026-09-24 |
| Oakley 19 SSW | 69°F | 2026-09-24 |
| Manhattan 6 SSW | 71°F | 2026-09-24 |
Cities in Kansas (16)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Hutchinson | 67501 | 76°F |
| Kansas City | 66101 | 76°F |
| Kansas Lottery | 66652 | 76°F |
| Lawrence | 66044 | 76°F |
| Leawood | 66206 | 76°F |
| Lenexa | 66215 | 76°F |
| Liberal | 67901 | — |
| Manhattan | 66502 | 71°F |
| Mission | 66201 | 76°F |
| Olathe | 66051 | 76°F |
| Overland Park | 66204 | 76°F |
| Salina | 67401 | 71°F |
| Shawnee | 66203 | 76°F |
| Shawnee Mission | 66250 | 76°F |
| Topeka | 66601 | 76°F |
| Wichita | 67201 | 76°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 71°F, measured at 6 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 67°F to 76°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Kansas is running 3°F above the seasonal normal of 68°F for late September, based on 6 of 6 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), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.