4-Inch Soil Temperature in New Mexico
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across New Mexico is 86°F, measured at 10 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 61°F to 96°F. Soil across New Mexico is running 4°F above the seasonal normal of 81°F for mid-August, based on 10 of 10 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 New Mexico (10)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Adams Ranch #1 (Lincoln) | 79°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Crossroads (Lea) | 91°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Willow Wells (Lea) | 92°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Jornada Exp Range (Dona Ana) | 91°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Los Lunas PMC (Valencia) | 89°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Sevilleta (Socorro) | 93°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Alcalde (Rio Arriba) | 86°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Thoreau (McKinley) | 78°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Socorro 20 N | 96°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Los Alamos 13 W | 61°F | 2026-08-09 |
Cities in New Mexico (17)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Alamogordo | 88310 | 91°F |
| Albuquerque | 87101 | 89°F |
| Artesia | 88210 | 92°F |
| Carlsbad | 88220 | — |
| Clovis | 88101 | 91°F |
| Deming | 88030 | 91°F |
| Espanola | 87532 | 86°F |
| Farmington | 87401 | — |
| Gallup | 87301 | 78°F |
| Hobbs | 88240 | 91°F |
| Las Cruces | 88001 | 91°F |
| Los Alamos | 87544 | 61°F |
| Rio Rancho | 87124 | 89°F |
| Roswell | 88201 | 92°F |
| Ruidoso | 88345 | 79°F |
| Santa Fe | 87501 | 86°F |
| Silver City | 88061 | — |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for New Mexico
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in New Mexico?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across New Mexico is 86°F, measured at 10 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 61°F to 96°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across New Mexico is running 4°F above the seasonal normal of 81°F for mid-August, based on 10 of 10 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 New Mexico soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.