4-Inch Soil Temperature in Pennsylvania
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Pennsylvania is 66°F, measured at 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 65°F to 66°F. Soil across Pennsylvania is right at the seasonal normal of 65°F for early October, based on 3 of 3 stations with historical records. Last updated September 30, 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 Pennsylvania (3)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Mahantango Ck (Northumberland) | 66°F | 2026-09-30 |
| Rock Springs Pa (Centre) | 65°F | 2026-09-30 |
| Avondale 2 N | 65°F | 2026-09-30 |
Cities in Pennsylvania (72)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Academy Life | 19488 | 65°F |
| Albion | 16401 | — |
| Allentown | 18101 | 65°F |
| Altoona | 16601 | 65°F |
| Beaver Springs | 17812 | 66°F |
| Bethlehem | 18015 | 65°F |
| Blue Bell | 19422 | 65°F |
| Boyers | 16016 | — |
| Butler | 16001 | — |
| Camp Hill | 17001 | 66°F |
| Carlisle | 17013 | 66°F |
| Carnegie | 15106 | — |
| Chambersburg | 17201 | 65°F |
| Chester | 19013 | 65°F |
| Concordville | 19331 | 65°F |
| Conshohocken | 19428 | 65°F |
| Cresson | 16630 | 65°F |
| Dallas | 18612 | 66°F |
| Danville | 17821 | 66°F |
| Doylestown | 18901 | 65°F |
| Eagleville | 19408 | 65°F |
| East Stroudsburg | 18301 | 66°F |
| Easton | 18040 | 65°F |
| Edinboro | 16412 | — |
| Emmaus | 18049 | 65°F |
| Erie | 16501 | — |
| Fort Washington | 19034 | 65°F |
| Frackville | 17931 | 66°F |
| Genesee | 16923 | 65°F |
| Greensburg | 15601 | 65°F |
| Hanover | 17331 | 66°F |
| Harleysville | 19438 | 65°F |
| Harrisburg | 17101 | 66°F |
| Hazleton | 18201 | 66°F |
| Holmes | 19043 | 65°F |
| Houtzdale | 16651 | 65°F |
| Huntingdon | 16652 | 65°F |
| Indiana | 15701 | 65°F |
| Johnstown | 15901 | 65°F |
| Lancaster | 17573 | 65°F |
| Lebanon | 17042 | 66°F |
| Lehigh Valley | 18001 | 65°F |
| Levittown | 19054 | 65°F |
| Mckeesport | 15131 | — |
| Meadville | 16335 | — |
| Mechanicsburg | 17050 | 66°F |
| Media | 19063 | 65°F |
| New Castle | 16101 | — |
| New Kensington | 15068 | 65°F |
| New Wilmington | 16142 | — |
| Norristown | 19401 | 65°F |
| North Wales | 19454 | 65°F |
| Olyphant | 18447 | 66°F |
| Philadelphia | 19019 | 65°F |
| Pittsburgh | 15201 | — |
| Pittston | 18640 | 66°F |
| Pottstown | 19464 | 65°F |
| Reading | 19601 | 65°F |
| Scranton | 18501 | 66°F |
| Somerset | 15501 | 65°F |
| Southeastern | 19397 | 65°F |
| State College | 16801 | 65°F |
| Valley Forge | 19481 | 65°F |
| Warminster | 18974 | 65°F |
| Warren | 16365 | — |
| Warrendale | 15086 | — |
| Wayne | 19080 | 65°F |
| West Chester | 19380 | 65°F |
| West Mifflin | 15122 | — |
| Wilkes Barre | 18701 | 66°F |
| Williamsport | 17701 | 66°F |
| York | 17401 | 66°F |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Pennsylvania
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Pennsylvania?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Pennsylvania is 66°F, measured at 3 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 65°F to 66°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Pennsylvania is right at the seasonal normal of 65°F for early October, based on 3 of 3 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 Pennsylvania soil temperature directory (all depths), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.