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Per AWS D1.1, 1/2" A36 is prequalified for a minimum preheat and interpass temperature of 32°F (0°C), so at typical shop or field temperatures no added heat is required. The one wrinkle: if the base metal is below 32°F when you strike an arc, the code requires you to bring it up to at least 70°F and hold that through welding. That applies regardless of whether you are running SMAW with E70XX low-hydrogen, FCAW, GMAW, or SAW. It also assumes dry, clean joints; wet or contaminated steel warrants a warmup pass to drive off moisture even when the table says none is needed. Reference: AWS D1.1, prequalified minimum preheat and interpass table (Table 5.7 in the 2020 edition, formerly Table 3.3 in earlier editions), Category A/B, A36 base metal, thickness up to 3/4". If this is a fracture critical or seismic application (AISC 341/358, or a Chapter 4 demand critical weld), or if it is going into ASME or API scope instead of D1.1, let me know and I will adjust. The A36 answer changes if you are qualifying to a specific WPS that calls out something higher.
