textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Showers and isolated storms may move across western portions of the area this evening into tonight.

- There is a 15% chance some of these storms this evening into tonight will become strong to marginally severe.

- The heat increases this weekend with temperatures in the mid 90s to near 104 degrees. Heat indices in the upper 90s to near 105 degrees are expected.

- A slight decrease in temperatures is expected beginning Monday with highs ranging from the mid 80s to 100 degrees.

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 /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z SATURDAY/

Issued at 1234 PM CDT Fri Aug 28 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

VFR conditions are expected for the next 24 hours. Winds will be gusty out of the south this afternoon. Winds will decrease slightly and become more southeasterly by/around 00z. Winds will then increase again out of the south by/around 06z. Winds will decrease slightly and become southwesterly by 15z. Wind shear is expected between 03z and 14z. A few light rain showers/sprinkles are possible around 06z.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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