4-Inch Soil Temperature in Missouri
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Missouri is 72°F, measured at 15 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 69°F to 75°F. Soil across Missouri is running 2°F above the seasonal normal of 69°F for late September, based on 15 of 15 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 Missouri (15)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Spickard (Audrain) | 70°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Dexter (Stoddard) | 75°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Mt Vernon (Lawrence) | 73°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Powell Gardens (Johnson) | 75°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Schell-Osage (St. Clair) | 72°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Journagan Ranch (Douglas) | 71°F | 2026-09-23 |
| CMRB LTAR-MO (Boone) | 72°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Elsberry PMC (Lincoln) | 71°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Carver Farm (Cole) | 72°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Shaw Nature Reserve (Franklin) | 73°F | 2026-09-23 |
| LTSP (Shannon) | 72°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Sinkin Forest (Dent) | 71°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Chillicothe 22 ENE | 69°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Joplin 24 N | 71°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Salem 10 W | 70°F | 2026-09-23 |
Cities in Missouri (25)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Ballwin | 63011 | 73°F |
| Blue Springs | 64013 | 75°F |
| Branson | 65615 | 73°F |
| Cape Girardeau | 63701 | 75°F |
| Chesterfield | 63005 | 73°F |
| Columbia | 65201 | 72°F |
| Fenton | 63026 | 73°F |
| Florissant | 63031 | 71°F |
| Hollister | 65672 | 73°F |
| Independence | 64050 | 75°F |
| Jefferson City | 65101 | 72°F |
| Joplin | 64801 | 71°F |
| Kansas City | 64101 | 75°F |
| Lees Summit | 64002 | 75°F |
| Liberty | 64068 | 75°F |
| O Fallon | 63366 | 71°F |
| Osceola | 64776 | 72°F |
| Poplar Bluff | 63901 | 75°F |
| Rolla | 65401 | 70°F |
| Saint Charles | 63301 | 73°F |
| Saint Joseph | 64501 | 70°F |
| Saint Louis | 63101 | 73°F |
| Saint Louis | 63101 | 73°F |
| Sedalia | 65301 | 75°F |
| Springfield | 65801 | 73°F |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Missouri
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Missouri?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Missouri is 72°F, measured at 15 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 69°F to 75°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Missouri is running 2°F above the seasonal normal of 69°F for late September, based on 15 of 15 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 Missouri soil temperature directory (all depths), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.