textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Highs will mainly range the low to mid 90s today, mid to upper 90s Sunday and the upper 90s to 103 degrees on Monday (Heat Index values as high as 100-107 degrees Monday afternoon).

- Temperatures beyond Monday will mainly stick between the mid 80s to mid 90s.

- A few isolated non-severe storms may be possible across the area this afternoon and evening (10-20% chance). The best potential will be north of I-80.

- A few additional chances for a possibly more widespread coverage of storms currently lies between Wednesday and Friday.

UPDATE

Issued at 202 AM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

Today...

A "cold" front, currently draped across the Nebraska / South Dakota border early this morning (indicated by the northerly wind shift behind/north of the front), will be expected to meander south into central Nebraska by the end of the day. Though the air behind this front will not necessarily be "cold" in any way, this boundary more so demarcates a subtle surface wind shift (southwest to east shift).

Weak convergence along this boundary during the afternoon to evening hours (mainly between 4-10PM) could become just strong enough to actually develop a few showers and possibly a few weak storms. Given the boundaries slow progression, it is unlikely that this boundary will be able to make it down to the Kansas state line. As result, the best chance for isolated showers/storms will be for south central nebraska with the best concentration north of I-80 (10-20% chances). Though these storms/showers will be possible across much of the area, most locations will likely remain dry given the expected highly scattered nature of precipitation. For the storms that do develop, given the weak shear aloft, it will be very unlikely for any storm to become severe.

Otherwise, highs will look peak across the low to mid 90s range today, or just a few degrees warmer from normal mid-July standards (upper 80s). Winds will remain light among the weak surface pressure gradient with directions starting out of the south to southwest before becoming easterly following the weak frontal passage. Speeds should struggle to increase much past 10-15MPH.

Sunday and Monday...

The main story for the start of the week will be the heat. Height/pressure rises (ridging) across the intermountain west region with height/pressure falls (troughing) across the eastern U.S. may work to cancel one another across the central U.S. As result, little is expected to change conditions wise here across the local area until at least Tuesday. Rising temperatures with mostly dry conditions will continue on through the day Sunday and Monday. Though a few isolated storm/showers can't be completely ruled out everywhere, most locations will likely remain dry through the period.

Temperatures will look to peak on Monday between 97-103 degrees with heat index values soaring as high as 100-107 degrees thanks to mid 60 to low 70s dewpoints. The latest LREF guidance suggests that between 50% to 80% of the area could see highs reach 100 degrees. If the current forecast continues to hold, a heat advisory may be considered across a few portions of the area. As it stands, there is still some uncertainty with if cloud coverage from nearby storms or if overachieving dewpoints may play influence the temperature forecast for the day?

DISCUSSION

Issued at 127 PM CDT Fri Jul 17 2026

Temperatures this afternoon are currently sitting in the upper 80s to low 90s, and are expected to top out in the low-mid 90s. Aloft a ridge remains in place over the eastern Rockies/western Plains. Lows tonight will be in the upper 60s to low 70s with clear skies and light winds.

Highs climb into the mid 90s on Saturday with light winds shifting to the east as a weak front slides into the area. Isolated to perhaps scattered thunderstorm development is possible (15%) Saturday afternoon for areas mainly along/north of Interstate 80. Weak shear should keep any shower/storm brief and non-severe. Any shower/storm will dissipate around sunset as instability wanes.

Heat increases on Sunday as highs soar into the upper 90s. Sunny skies and light winds make for an unpleasant day for those outdoors. Heat index values climb to around 100 degrees, but look to fall short of reaching heat advisory criteria (105 degrees). Areas most favored to experience 100 degree heat index values will be along and north of I-80.

Monday remains on track to be the hottest day of the forecast period. Forecast highs are currently in the low 100s, which would be the first 100 degree day this year for most portions of the forecast area. Highs combined with dewpoints in the 60s will result in widespread heat index values in the 100s. At least a portion if not the entire area will likely need a heat advisory on Monday, but will defer to a future shift to narrow down the exact area that is likely to meet advisory criteria. Those with outdoor activities on Monday will want to take breaks and drink plenty of water as sunny skies and light winds will not provide relief from the heat.

A trough dives into the Midwest Monday night, flattening the ridge and pushing a cold front through the area. Cooler weather is expected Tuesday onwards with highs in the 80s to around 90 degrees. As a northwesterly flow pattern sets up over the area next week, it will bring multiple chances for precipitation to the area. Details on these chances will become clearer as we get closer in time (most likely late afternoon-early overnight hours).* Add discussion here.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1225 PM CDT Sat Jul 18 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

VFR conditions expected through TAF period. A brief shower/storm is possible during the late afternoon-evening, with any storm clearing by sunset. VFR/CIGS are unlikely to become sub-VFR in storms given the weak/brief nature of any storm. Otherwise mostly clear skies are expected with light and variable winds.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

NE...None. KS...None.