4-Inch Soil Temperature in Minnesota
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Minnesota is 56°F, measured at 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 53°F to 59°F. Soil across Minnesota is running 3°F below the seasonal normal of 59°F for late September, based on 4 of 4 stations with historical records. Last updated September 23, 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 Minnesota (4)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Crescent Lake #1 (Sherburne) | 59°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Glacial Ridge (Polk) | 57°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Goodridge 12 NNW | 53°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Sandstone 6 W | 57°F | 2026-09-23 |
Cities in Minnesota (29)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Bemidji | 56601 | 57°F |
| Burnsville | 55306 | 59°F |
| Detroit Lakes | 56501 | 57°F |
| Duluth | 55801 | 57°F |
| Eden Prairie | 55344 | 59°F |
| Elko New Market | 55020 | 59°F |
| Fergus Falls | 56537 | — |
| Grand Rapids | 55730 | 57°F |
| Hibbing | 55746 | 57°F |
| Hopkins | 55305 | 59°F |
| Howard Lake | 55349 | 59°F |
| Inver Grove Heights | 55076 | 59°F |
| Loretto | 55357 | 59°F |
| Mankato | 56001 | 59°F |
| Maple Plain | 55348 | 59°F |
| Minneapolis | 55401 | 59°F |
| Monticello | 55362 | 59°F |
| Moorhead | 56560 | 57°F |
| Norwood | 55383 | 59°F |
| Osseo | 55311 | 59°F |
| Rochester | 55901 | — |
| Rockford | 55373 | 59°F |
| Saint Cloud | 56301 | 59°F |
| Saint Paul | 55101 | 59°F |
| Stacy | 55078 | 59°F |
| Stillwater | 55082 | 59°F |
| Virginia | 55777 | — |
| Waite Park | 56387 | 59°F |
| Young America | 55394 | 59°F |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Minnesota
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Minnesota?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Minnesota is 56°F, measured at 4 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 53°F to 59°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Minnesota is running 3°F below the seasonal normal of 59°F for late September, based on 4 of 4 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 Minnesota soil temperature directory (all depths), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.