textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop along a front Saturday afternoon and evening. Most of these storms will not be severe, but a few strong to marginally severe storms will be possible across northern Kansas.

- After a seasonably cool Sunday, temperatures will warm into the 80s to start next week and possibly reach the 90s in spots by Thursday and Friday afternoons.

- With increasing temperatures, a dry airmass, and breezy afternoon winds, near critical to critical fire weather concerns are expected across at least parts of the local area each afternoon next week.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 318 PM CDT Fri May 8 2026

Widespread cumulus developed across the region this afternoon as temperatures climbed into the mid to upper 70s. This high based CU has been fairly shallow, with no precipitation being observed across the region. For tonight, expect this diurnally driven CU to rapidly diminish around sunset, with mostly clear skies returning overnight. These clearing skies should allow for good radiational cooling, but with light westerly winds providing some mixing/warmth, expect similar temperatures overnight as we saw to start the day Friday.

Increasing westerly winds are then expected across the region on Saturday ahead of a cold front forecast to reach the NE/KS state line late in the afternoon. This front should provide ample forcing for a line of showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and evening, with a small chance for a strong to marginally severe thunderstorm across portions of north central Kansas late in the day before the front pushes southeast of the local area. Current thinking is the greatest threat for any stronger storms will be during the 4-10 PM time frame, with wind gusts being the primary concern given the atmospheric profile. That said, despite relatively un-impressive instability values, good shear could promote a few more organized thunderstorms capable of producing nickel sized hail as well. Latest mesoscale models definitely focus the better looking convection across our Kansas counties, but a second line of (non-severe) storms in northwest flow coming off the high plains Saturday night could bring at least some light precip to our Nebraska counties as well.

Behind this front, a more seasonable airmass will settle in across the area for Mother's day, with high temperatures in the lower 70s and light northerly winds combining to make for a rather nice afternoon. Thereafter...the upper level ridge across the intermountain west will shift east to start next week, likely marking the start of a prolonged period of above to well above normal temperatures with limited precipitation chances starting on Monday. As a result, expect several near critical to critical fire weather days across at least parts of the local area next week, with likely dry weather prevailing through at least the end of the week. While the current CPC outlook for week 2 slightly favors above normal precip across the region, there is a strong signal that above normal temperatures will continue.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 1227 AM CDT Sat May 9 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

A few scattered showers and storms will approach the vicinity of both the KEAR and KGRI terminals between mainly 18-1z. Though a few showers could form as early as 15z or as late as 8z, the best overall chance of weak thunderstorms will come just following the passage of a cold front (18-21z). Ceilings are not expected at this time to drop below 6,000ft. If a shower/storms tracks directly over the terminals, brief visibility reductions down to 3SM could be possible. Any storms that does form will not be expected to become severe.

Winds tonight will remain light and variable until southwesterly winds pick up through the morning hours. Before the cold frontal passage, the southwest winds will blow between 5-10kts with gusts occasionally up to 20kts. Winds behind the front will abruptly turn towards the north to northeasterly direction with more persistent gusts picking up to as high as 20-25kts. Winds later Saturday evening will gradually lighten.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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