4-Inch Soil Temperature in Nebraska
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Nebraska is 78°F, measured at 5 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 74°F to 82°F. Soil across Nebraska is running 4°F above the seasonal normal of 73°F for mid-August, based on 5 of 5 stations with historical records. Last updated August 9, 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 Nebraska (5)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Rogers Farm #1 (Lancaster) | 77°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Johnson Farm (Chase) | 82°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Harrison 20 SSE | 80°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Whitman 5 ENE | 76°F | 2026-08-08 |
| Lincoln 11 SW | 74°F | 2026-08-09 |
Cities in Nebraska (15)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | 68005 | 77°F |
| Blair | 68008 | 77°F |
| Columbus | 68601 | 74°F |
| Fremont | 68025 | 77°F |
| Grand Island | 68801 | — |
| Hastings | 68901 | — |
| Kearney | 68845 | — |
| Lincoln | 68501 | 74°F |
| Norfolk | 68701 | — |
| North Platte | 69101 | 82°F |
| Omaha | 68101 | 77°F |
| Oshkosh | 69154 | 76°F |
| Papillion | 68046 | 77°F |
| Scottsbluff | 69361 | 80°F |
| Sidney | 69160 | — |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Nebraska
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Nebraska?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Nebraska is 78°F, measured at 5 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 74°F to 82°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Nebraska is running 4°F above the seasonal normal of 73°F for mid-August, based on 5 of 5 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 Nebraska soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.