4-Inch Soil Temperature in North Dakota
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across North Dakota is 68°F, measured at 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 65°F to 71°F. Soil across North Dakota is running 2°F above the seasonal normal of 66°F for mid-August, based on 4 of 4 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 North Dakota (4)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Mandan #1 (Morton) | 65°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Jamestown 38 WSW | 69°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Medora 7 E | 71°F | 2026-08-09 |
| Northgate 5 ESE | 66°F | 2026-08-09 |
Cities in North Dakota (10)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck | 58501 | 65°F |
| Dickinson | 58601 | 71°F |
| Fargo | 58102 | — |
| Grand Forks | 58201 | — |
| Grand Forks Afb | 58204 | — |
| Jamestown | 58401 | 69°F |
| Minot | 58701 | 66°F |
| Minot Afb | 58704 | 66°F |
| Wahpeton | 58074 | — |
| Williston | 58801 | — |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for North Dakota
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in North Dakota?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across North Dakota is 68°F, measured at 4 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 65°F to 71°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across North Dakota is running 2°F above the seasonal normal of 66°F for mid-August, 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 North Dakota soil temperature directory (all depths), or the live national soil temperature map.