4-Inch Soil Temperature in Maryland
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Maryland is 78°F, measured at 1 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 78°F to 78°F. Last updated August 16, 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 Maryland (1)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Powder Mill (Prince George's) | 78°F | 2026-08-16 |
Cities in Maryland (51)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Annapolis | 21401 | 78°F |
| Baltimore | 21201 | 78°F |
| Bel Air | 21014 | 78°F |
| Beltsville | 20704 | 78°F |
| Bethesda | 20810 | 78°F |
| Bowie | 20715 | 78°F |
| Capitol Heights | 20731 | 78°F |
| Chestertown | 21620 | 78°F |
| Chevy Chase | 20815 | 78°F |
| College Park | 20740 | 78°F |
| Columbia | 21044 | 78°F |
| Cumberland | 21501 | — |
| District Heights | 20747 | 78°F |
| Easton | 21601 | 78°F |
| Elkton | 21921 | 78°F |
| Ellicott City | 21041 | 78°F |
| Essex | 21221 | 78°F |
| Fort Washington | 20744 | 78°F |
| Frederick | 21701 | 78°F |
| Gaithersburg | 20877 | 78°F |
| Germantown | 20874 | 78°F |
| Glen Burnie | 21060 | 78°F |
| Greenbelt | 20768 | 78°F |
| Hagerstown | 21740 | 78°F |
| Hanover | 21076 | 78°F |
| Hunt Valley | 21031 | 78°F |
| Hyattsville | 20781 | 78°F |
| Kensington | 20891 | 78°F |
| Lanham | 20703 | 78°F |
| Laurel | 20707 | 78°F |
| Lutherville Timonium | 21093 | 78°F |
| Nationwide Fulfill Systems | 21681 | 78°F |
| Ocean City | 21842 | — |
| Olney | 20830 | 78°F |
| Oxon Hill | 20745 | 78°F |
| Pasadena | 21122 | 78°F |
| Potomac | 20854 | 78°F |
| Ridgely | 21660 | 78°F |
| Riverdale | 20737 | 78°F |
| Rockville | 20847 | 78°F |
| Salisbury | 21801 | — |
| Silver Spring | 20901 | 78°F |
| Southern Md Facility | 20697 | 78°F |
| Suitland | 20746 | 78°F |
| Takoma Park | 20912 | 78°F |
| Temple Hills | 20748 | 78°F |
| Towson | 21204 | 78°F |
| Upper Marlboro | 20772 | 78°F |
| Waldorf | 20601 | 78°F |
| Westminster | 21157 | 78°F |
| Westover | 21871 | — |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Maryland
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Maryland?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Maryland is 78°F, measured at 1 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 78°F to 78°F depending on location and elevation.
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 Maryland soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.