4-Inch Soil Temperature in Nebraska
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Nebraska is 66°F, measured at 5 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 64°F to 69°F. Soil across Nebraska is running 3°F above the seasonal normal of 64°F for late September, based on 5 of 5 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 Nebraska (5)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Rogers Farm #1 (Lancaster) | 68°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Johnson Farm (Chase) | 69°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Harrison 20 SSE | 65°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Whitman 5 ENE | 64°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Lincoln 11 SW | 67°F | 2026-09-23 |
Cities in Nebraska (15)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | 68005 | 68°F |
| Blair | 68008 | 68°F |
| Columbus | 68601 | 67°F |
| Fremont | 68025 | 68°F |
| Grand Island | 68801 | 67°F |
| Hastings | 68901 | 67°F |
| Kearney | 68845 | — |
| Lincoln | 68501 | 67°F |
| Norfolk | 68701 | 68°F |
| North Platte | 69101 | 69°F |
| Omaha | 68101 | 68°F |
| Oshkosh | 69154 | 64°F |
| Papillion | 68046 | 68°F |
| Scottsbluff | 69361 | 65°F |
| Sidney | 69160 | 69°F |
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 66°F, measured at 5 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 64°F to 69°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Nebraska is running 3°F above the seasonal normal of 64°F for late September, 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), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.