A method is disclosed for providing a real time, radial exhaust temperature distribution in a gas turbine to improve the understanding of exhaust gas temperature in a manner similar to installing production rakes. The thermocouples are installed along the exhaust frame strut skins at a number of radial positions. The data from the thermocouples along each of the struts is used to produce a normalized radial profile of the turbine exhaust temperature. The existing turbine station instrumentation is then used to expand the normalized profile into an actual profile of the turbine exhaust temperature. The calculations/transfer functions for temperatures are obtained from data collected during performance testing with full rakes. This profile is integrated to determine a bulk Tx to improve gas turbine controls including model-based controls or corrected parameter controls (MBC/CPC) controls, or specific radial temperatures are used, to provide protective action for bucket platforms, or other turbine components.