textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Highs in the 90s to low 100s this weekend with heat index values topping out in the low 100s.

- Scattered showers/storms possible during the late evening-overnight hours tonight/Sunday night as storms move in from the west.

- Seasonably warm conditions continue next week with highs in the 80s and 90s.

UPDATE

Issued at 330 AM CDT Sat Aug 29 2026

Scattered thunderstorms aided by a Low Level Jet (LLJ) are gradually moving east across the area this morning. These storms will continue to shift east across the area throughout the early morning hours. Storms are expected to diminish in coverage after sunrise as the LLJ weakens. Aloft a ridge is centered over the Plains with troughing over the western U.S. A hot day is expected as highs climb into the 90s to low 100s, warmest across north central Kansas. Heat index values will be similar, in the mid 90s to low 100s. While heat indices will fall short of heat advisory criteria, it will still be unpleasant nonetheless. Breezy winds are expected to start the day gusting 20-30mph but winds gradually decrease during the late morning-afternoon. Scattered thunderstorms will develop across eastern CO/WY during the late afternoon-evening hours. Storms are expected to reach western portions of the area after sunset with lingering scattered-isolated storms continuing throughout the overnight hours. Given the time of arrival, strong-severe storms appear unlikely.

Rain chances come to an end shortly after sunrise on Sunday, with skies clearing during the morning. Another hot day is expected on Sunday as highs once again soar into the 90s to low 100s. Similar to Today, heat index values fall just shy of heat headline criteria but those with outdoor activities will want to drink plenty of water. During the late evening-overnight hours a cluster of showers/storms looks to move out of northwest Kansas, bringing another round of shower/storms to the area.

Seasonably warm weather continues next week under southwesterly flow aloft. Highs will generally be in the 80s and 90s, warmest across southern portions of the area. Off and on thunderstorm chances continue as shortwave troughs traverse through the southwesterly flow aloft.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 244 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026

An upper ridge extends from New Mexico to Nebraska. Winds across south central and central Nebraska and north central Kansas are expected to increase out of the south at around 15 to 20 MPH with gusts up to 25 MPH. High temperatures today will be in the mid 80s to mid 90s. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to approach the area from the west this evening and continue moving eastward tonight. Widespread severe storms are not expected; however, an isolated strong to marginally severe storm will be possible (15% chance). The main threat of severe storms will be along and west of Highway 183. Wind gusts up to around 60 MPH and hail will be the main threats with these storms. Low temperatures tonight will be in the 70s with winds not weakening much, if any, from the daytime. Skies tonight will generally be partly to mostly cloudy which will also aid in preventing further cooling of temperatures overnight.

The upper ridge will move further east on Saturday with the northern edge extending to Nebraska. This will allow a surface trough to the west (across western Nebraska and eastern Colorado) to expand further east. These conditions will allow for temperatures to heat up into the mid 90s to near 105 degrees on Saturday. Heat index values will generally range from the upper 90s to 105 degrees. Isolated areas in north central Kansas and perhaps in far southern Nebraska will be the most likely to have temperatures and/or heat index values near or at 105 degrees. Showers and perhaps an isolated thunderstorm or two may move across mainly western portions of the forecast area Saturday evening into Saturday night. Low temperatures Saturday night are generally expected to range from the upper 60s across northwestern portions of the area to around 80 degrees across southern and southeastern portions of the area.

Some showers may linger through Sunday morning and perhaps into the afternoon hours across portions of the area. High temperatures on Sunday are expected to be similar to those on Saturday. However, portions of the area across the northwest and north on Sunday may be a couple of degrees cooler than the previous day with increased cloud cover and possible developing showers due to a shortwave passing over the area. Heat index values on Sunday may approach or reach 105 degrees for isolated locations across north central Kansas, especially Rooks, Osborne, and Mitchell Counties. A passing shortwave and an approaching cold front may bring showers and storms to mainly western and northern portions of the forecast area Sunday evening into Sunday night. There is a low chance (20%) that some of these storms may become strong to marginally severe if there is enough elevated CAPE and sufficient lift. Low temperatures Sunday night will range from the mid 60s to mid/upper 70s.

The upper ridge will continue to shift eastward during the early to middle part of next week. This eastward shift of the ridge will contribute to temperatures cooling slightly (mid 80s to 100 degrees) Monday through Thursday. It will also contribute to various chances of showers and thunderstorms across portions of the area Monday through Thursday.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 556 AM CDT Sat Aug 29 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

VFR conditions expected through TAF period. LLWS will dissipate by the mid-morning hours as the low level jet weakens. Southerly winds gusting 20-25kts will weaken by the late morning hours, first at KEAR then GRI. Winds become light during the evening hours continuing into the overnight hours at KEAR. At KGRI, the Low level jet will be close enough that surface winds will increase slightly with a brief window of LLWS developing around 04-08z. Additionally there's a low (20%) chance for scattered thunderstorms after 04z, but the confidence in KGRI/KEAR being impacted is too low to include a PROB30 or prevailing group.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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