4-Inch Soil Temperature in Louisiana
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Louisiana is 85°F, measured at 2 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 84°F to 86°F. Soil across Louisiana is right at the seasonal normal of 85°F for mid-August, based on 2 of 2 stations with historical records. Last updated August 15, 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 Louisiana (2)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette 13 SE | 86°F | 2026-08-15 |
| Monroe 26 N | 84°F | 2026-08-15 |
Cities in Louisiana (42)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Abbeville | 70510 | 86°F |
| Alexandria | 71301 | — |
| Baker | 70704 | 86°F |
| Bastrop | 71220 | 84°F |
| Baton Rouge | 70801 | 86°F |
| Belle Chasse | 70037 | — |
| Bogalusa | 70427 | — |
| Bossier City | 71111 | — |
| Chalmette | 70043 | — |
| Covington | 70433 | — |
| Crowley | 70526 | 86°F |
| Denham Springs | 70706 | 86°F |
| Gonzales | 70707 | 86°F |
| Gretna | 70053 | — |
| Hammond | 70401 | — |
| Harvey | 70058 | — |
| Houma | 70360 | — |
| Kenner | 70062 | — |
| La Place | 70068 | — |
| Lafayette | 70500 | 86°F |
| Lake Charles | 70601 | — |
| Leesville | 71446 | — |
| Mandeville | 70448 | — |
| Marrero | 70072 | — |
| Metairie | 70001 | — |
| Minden | 71055 | 84°F |
| Monroe | 71201 | 84°F |
| Morgan City | 70380 | 86°F |
| Natchitoches | 71457 | — |
| New Iberia | 70560 | 86°F |
| New Orleans | 70112 | — |
| Opelousas | 70570 | 86°F |
| Pineville | 71359 | — |
| Plaquemine | 70764 | 86°F |
| Ruston | 71270 | 84°F |
| Shreveport | 71101 | — |
| Slidell | 70458 | — |
| Sulphur | 70663 | — |
| Tallulah | 71282 | 84°F |
| Thibodaux | 70301 | 86°F |
| West Monroe | 71291 | 84°F |
| Westwego | 70094 | — |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Louisiana
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Louisiana?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Louisiana is 85°F, measured at 2 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 84°F to 86°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Louisiana is right at the seasonal normal of 85°F for mid-August, based on 2 of 2 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 Louisiana soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.