The study investigates the relationship between soil moisture and temperature buffering in temperate broadleaf forests, focusing on the impact of soil moisture on the microclimate of forest understories. Forest canopies buffer temperature extremes, creating cooler microclimates compared to the surrounding environment. This buffering effect is influenced by canopy cover and soil moisture content, which are affected by frequent and severe canopy disturbances and soil droughts. The research uses temperature and soil moisture data from 54 sites in Central Europe over four summer seasons to explore how soil moisture variability affects temperature offsets between the forest interior and exterior. Key findings include: 1. **Buffering Effect**: Forest understories were on average 2°C cooler than the surrounding environment. 2. **Soil Moisture Impact**: Higher soil moisture levels increased the cooling effect, with the relationship being non-linear. The sensitivity to soil moisture was higher in drier soils. 3. **Topographic and Canopy Effects**: The sensitivity of temperature offsets to soil moisture was higher on sun-exposed slopes and in more open canopies. 4. **Future Implications**: As soils dry out, the buffering capacity of forests will decrease, potentially leading to changes in understory communities and biodiversity. The study highlights the need to include soil moisture in models and predictions of forest microclimate to better understand and manage the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems.The study investigates the relationship between soil moisture and temperature buffering in temperate broadleaf forests, focusing on the impact of soil moisture on the microclimate of forest understories. Forest canopies buffer temperature extremes, creating cooler microclimates compared to the surrounding environment. This buffering effect is influenced by canopy cover and soil moisture content, which are affected by frequent and severe canopy disturbances and soil droughts. The research uses temperature and soil moisture data from 54 sites in Central Europe over four summer seasons to explore how soil moisture variability affects temperature offsets between the forest interior and exterior. Key findings include: 1. **Buffering Effect**: Forest understories were on average 2°C cooler than the surrounding environment. 2. **Soil Moisture Impact**: Higher soil moisture levels increased the cooling effect, with the relationship being non-linear. The sensitivity to soil moisture was higher in drier soils. 3. **Topographic and Canopy Effects**: The sensitivity of temperature offsets to soil moisture was higher on sun-exposed slopes and in more open canopies. 4. **Future Implications**: As soils dry out, the buffering capacity of forests will decrease, potentially leading to changes in understory communities and biodiversity. The study highlights the need to include soil moisture in models and predictions of forest microclimate to better understand and manage the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems.