4-Inch Soil Temperature in Wisconsin
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Wisconsin is 58°F, measured at 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 52°F to 61°F. Soil across Wisconsin is running 3°F below the seasonal normal of 61°F for late September, based on 3 of 3 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 Wisconsin (3)
| Station | 4" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Wabeno #1 (Forest) | 52°F | 2026-09-23 |
| UW Platteville (Lafayette) | 61°F | 2026-09-23 |
| Necedah 5 WNW | 60°F | 2026-09-23 |
Cities in Wisconsin (33)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Appleton | 54911 | 52°F |
| Beloit | 53511 | 61°F |
| Brookfield | 53005 | — |
| Chippewa Falls | 54729 | 60°F |
| Dodgeville | 53533 | 61°F |
| Eau Claire | 54701 | 60°F |
| Fond Du Lac | 54935 | 60°F |
| Green Bay | 54301 | 52°F |
| Iola | 54945 | 60°F |
| Janesville | 53545 | 61°F |
| Kenosha | 53140 | — |
| La Crosse | 54601 | 60°F |
| Madison | 53701 | 61°F |
| Manitowoc | 54220 | — |
| Marshfield | 54404 | 60°F |
| Menomonee Falls | 53051 | — |
| Milwaukee | 53201 | — |
| Neenah | 54956 | 60°F |
| New Berlin | 53146 | — |
| New Holstein | 53061 | — |
| Oshkosh | 54901 | 60°F |
| Racine | 53401 | — |
| Randolph | 53956 | 60°F |
| Reedsburg | 53958 | 60°F |
| Sheboygan | 53081 | — |
| Silver Lake | 53170 | — |
| Stevens Point | 54481 | 60°F |
| Sun Prairie | 53590 | 61°F |
| Watertown | 53094 | 61°F |
| Waukesha | 53186 | — |
| Wausau | 54401 | 52°F |
| West Bend | 53090 | — |
| Wisconsin Rapids | 54494 | 60°F |
4-Inch Soil Temperature FAQ for Wisconsin
What is the current 4-inch soil temperature in Wisconsin?
The current average 4-inch soil temperature across Wisconsin is 58°F, measured at 3 USDA and NOAA stations. Readings range from 52°F to 61°F depending on location and elevation. Soil across Wisconsin is running 3°F below the seasonal normal of 61°F for late September, 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 Wisconsin soil temperature directory (all depths), the national soil temperature by depth comparison, or the live national soil temperature map.