textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Additional showers/t-storms tonight, then drying out for the weekend.

- Extreme heat returns this weekend into early next week.

- Low chances (20-30%) for rain return Tuesday-Wednesday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 1130 AM CDT Thu Jul 23 2026

Light showers linger across portions of the area late this morning and will gradually clear from west to east this afternoon. Like yesterday, lingering cloud cover will keep temperatures on the cooler side...only topping out in the low 70s across much of central Nebraska. This is a large departure from western Kansas where mostly clear skies will allow highs to approach 100 degrees in many areas.

This evening, convection is expected to develop over western Kansas. Initially, convective parameters would favor a few of these storms becoming strong to severe. These storms should generally weaken as they move northeastward into our area later in the evening hours, but some sub-severe hail cannot be ruled out in portions of northern Kansas. Scattered showers and thunderstorms persist into Friday morning. In all, some locations could see an additional 1.00-1.50", but most spots likely will only see 0.25" or less. These showers are anticipated to clear by mid morning, resulting in a drier and warmer afternoon for Friday.

This warming trend continues into the weekend as upper level ridging builds over the central CONUS. Temperatures likely reach the 90s across the entire area Saturday, with some locations approaching 100 degrees on both Sunday and Monday. Heat index values near 105 degrees are likely (50% chance) in at least some areas on Saturday, and are a near certainty (80%) on Sunday/Monday. Some areas (especially the eastern half) could even see heat index values exceed 110 degrees on Sunday/Monday (40-50% chance). If these trends hold, heat headlines are likely to be issued on upcoming shifts.

The upper ridge weakens with a few disturbances by the middle of next week. As such, temperatures trend a bit cooler with some chances for rain. That said, meaningful rain is far from a guarantee at this point. Many global ensemble members maintain dry or mostly dry conditions for the middle of next week.

AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z FRIDAY/

Issued at 1145 AM CDT Thu Jul 23 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

Ceilings improve to VFR as showers clear the area this afternoon. Spotty showers and a few thunderstorms return tonight, along with a round of low stratus. There is a relatively high chance (50-70%) for IFR ceilings in the 10-15Z timeframe.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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