textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Initial band of scattered showers and weak thunderstorms will lift south to north across the area this afternoon and evening, strongest along/W of Hwy 281.

- More widespread showers and perhaps some weak thunderstorms will spread SW to NE across the entire area tonight and persist through Thursday morning. Widespread rain amounts of 0.50-1.00" are likely, with locally heavier amounts up to 1.5" possible.

- The coolest air of the fall, thus far, along with the first widespread frost of the season remains on tap for the Friday night into Saturday morning time-frame, with some scattered below freezing temperatures increasingly likely - especially in the climatologically coolest spots.

- Dry conditions and moderating temperatures from 60s into the 70s expected will provide several days of gorgeous fall weather this weekend through early next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 200 PM CDT Wed Oct 14 2026

Clouds, scattered showers, and a few embedded thunderstorms have been on the increase from S to N today. Most areas won't see sunshine again until Friday AM. The initial wave of rain today is scattered, but there are some embedded heavier cores with a few rumbles of thunder. Latest guidance lifts this activity S to N through the remainder of the day, with perhaps some weakening with northern extent/time.

A much larger, and more persistent, shield of light to moderate rain (and again, a few embedded weak thunderstorms) will spread SW to NE across the entire region late tonight, and continue through most, if not all, of the morning hours Thursday. Not much change to expected rainfall amounts as both the latest HREF and EPS are in good agreement. Most areas will receive around 0.25" to 0.75". Very isolated higher amounts up to 1.5" will be possible, but this will be more of the exception than the rule. Coverage and intensity will taper off from SW/S to NE/N Thursday afternoon. Most areas should be done with rain by around sunset Thursday, though a few sprinkles/very light showers could linger along the Hwy 81 corridor a couple hours longer. North winds will be a bit breezy on Thursday as the entire system lifts through the Plains and into the Upper Midwest - so even when it's not raining, its going to feel quite chilly and raw. High temperatures will only be in the 50s, but it could feel like mid to upper 40s at times with the breeze. Despite clearing skies Thursday night, not expecting frost due to breezy conditions peristing all night.

Strongest high pressure of the fall season thus far will ooze into the region on Friday. This will gradually lower wind speeds on Friday, but temperatures will remain seasonably cool only in the 50s. The cool daytime, in conjuction with clear skies, weak winds along sfc ridge axis, and recent moisture will likely set the stage for widespread (perhaps significant/thick) frost Friday night into Saturday morning. Return flow will be on the increase towards dawn over the far W/NW, but damage may already be done in these areas by then. Forecast has been cooling slightly with each and every cycle, and now all but far SE zones are forecast to dip to, or just below, freezing Sat AM. As such, will likely by issuing frost/freeze headlines within the next 12-18 hours for this threat.

Temperatures will warm nicely Saturday afternoon in the dry autumn airmass...and expect further moderation to temperatures Sunday into early next week. In fact, upper 60s to upper 70s are forecast each day Sunday through Wednesday next week, with our KS zones possibly even touching the low 80s late in the period. May have another period of patchy frost to contend with Saturday night, but a steady southerly breeze should prevent another round of widespread/thick frost...and lows only warm further from there next several days. So those looking to extend the growing season should be able to get at least another week, provided protective measures are taken Fri night-Sat AM.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z THURSDAY/

Issued at 1255 PM CDT Wed Oct 14 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

Scattered showers, and perhaps some weak thunderstorms, will spread in from the S this afternoon. Have held off on TS for now, and kept rain as a TEMPO with this initial wave since the coverage is scattered, but both may need to be amended as the afternoon moves on. CIGs should drop to MVFR range as the rain moves in. By far the most widespread and persistent showers (again, with perhaps some embedded thunder) arrives after midnight tonight and persists through most, if not all, of the morning Thursday. With the steadier rain will come IFR to LIFR CIGs and at least MVFR VSBYs. Wind will be out of the NNE- NE the entire period at around 7-12kt. Confidence: High.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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