textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- The next two days will be the story of two completely opposite types of weather days.

- Today will be mild again, though not as warm as yesterday, and the last in the string of substantially warm/above normal days we have experienced this week.

- A cold front moves through tonight and Sunday will be sharply colder, to the tune of 40 degrees or so. The cold, combined with a push of light snow, will make for a very wintry feel.

UPDATE

Issued at 315 AM CST Sat Dec 27 2025

The forecast is largely the same as trends remain consistent that this weekend will be the tale of two vastly different weather regimes.

Today will be another warm warm and pushing record territory again. A stream of high clouds could be a limiting factor today as breaks in the clouds will be limited. Winds will be light again but at least favor a somewhat westerly direction by afternoon.

As we move toward evening, the quick approach of a strengthening upper trough from the northwest will bring mid-level moisture to the area. Hi-resultution models suggest at least a small chance of light rain/sprinkles is warranted this evening and early overnight as lower level moisture. However, the main story overnight will be the passage of a strong cold front after midnight and exiting north central Kansas by 6 AM Sunday. Stout 3hr pressure rises will push the front through with very strong winds, likely gusting up to 50 mph at times as the front passes, and then continuing through the midday hours at least on Sunday. Winds don't look to reach high wind levels, but some 55 mph type wind gusts are possible.

Forecast models have been consistent in developing a post- frontal frontogenetic band of light snow (possibly a light mix to start in north central Kansas) centered on the mid to late morning hours hours Sunday. Light snow won't last long at any one location (3 hours on average) but with wind gusts to 50 mph or so, it won't be pleasant Sunday morning. While some snow accumulations are possible of a few tenths or so, mainly in south central Nebraska, the main issue will be the strong winds and snow combination producing poor visibility for that 3 hour period or so as the snow band moves west-to-east across the area. Right now the limited time and amounts of the snow don't necessarily support any type of advisory, but its going to be a brief wintry scene for much of the area Sunday morning. With the strong winds and cold advection, temperatures will go nowhere and likely fall through the day. The snow will wrap up in the early afternoon, with clearing likely in the afternoon on the back side of the deepening upper low to the east/northeast.

A secondary push of cold air will move into the area Sunday night and winds will remain up all night, though not as gusty as during the day. The shocker will be wind chills generally ranging from zero to 10 below zero. That will feel as much as 70 degrees colder than today!

Monday is cold and brisk but dry. Temperatures will climb back above normal again Tuesday and Wednesday but cool off again New Years Day, before turning warmer again next weekend. Though the forecast is dry the rest of the week, there are some hints at small chance for light precipitation again next weekend.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 328 PM CST Fri Dec 26 2025

This evening through Saturday....

It's a beautiful day outside today, with near-record to record warm temperatures across the area as temperatures currently sit in the mid 60s to low 70s. Aloft, ridging resides over the area with a trough located along the West Coast. Cloud coverage increases overnight, becoming partly to mostly cloudy. Lows tonight will remain above normal, in the 30s (normal lows in the teens). Another pleasant day is expected on Saturday as highs once again climb into the 60s, though a few degrees cooler than today. Light westerly winds further add to the peasant day. Enjoy it, as much cooler air arrives Sunday.

Sunday and Monday...

A cold front dives into the area early Sunday morning, with winds quickly increasing behind the cold frontal passage, gusting 35- 45mph. Some light snow is also possible (25-35%) behind the frontal passage. Snow accumulations look to be fairly light (under 0.5") and confined to mainly areas along and northwest of the Tri-Cities. Of bigger concern/focus will be in regards to the combined threat of falling snow and gusty winds. Snow falling with winds gusting 35- 45mph would result in a period of reduced visibility even if accumulations are minimal. Snow is expected to exit the area by the early afternoon hours as the surface low moves into the Midwest.

Most areas will see their "high" temperatures occur around midnight/early am, as much cooler air moves in behind the front. Temperatures steadily decrease throughout the morning hours with little if any increase in temperatures Sunday afternoon (temperatures in the teens-20s). Northwest winds gusting 35-45mph gradually decrease during the evening, but remain elevated overnight gusting 20-30mph. Temperatures in the single digits to low teens are expected Monday morning. Wind chill values Monday morning drop below zero due to the combination of cold temperatures and breezy winds. Despite the sunny skies, highs on Monday only climb into the 20s to low 30s with wind chill values confined to the teens and 20s.

Tuesday Onwards...

Northwest flow sets up over the area Tuesday onwards, resulting in oscillating temperatures throughout the rest of the forecast period. Highs climb back above normal on Tuesday and Wednesday (highs 40s- 50s), with the next shot of cold air (Highs 20s/30s) moving into the area at the end of the forecast period-start of the new year. The forecast remains dry through the latter half of the forecast period.

AVIATION /12Z TAFS THROUGH 12Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 521 AM CST Sat Dec 27 2025

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

VFR conditions are forecast for KGRI/KEAR for most of the forecast periods as winds are light and somewhat variable with passing mid/high level clouds through this evening. Things change dramatically after about 08Z as a strong cold front will rip through the area switching winds to the northwest and producing gusts to at least 35kts. MVFR ceilings will also settle into the area once the front passes along with at least some potential for periods of light snow in the pre-dawn hours Sunday.

CLIMATE

Issued at 315 AM CST Sat Dec 27 2025

- REGARDING RECORD WARM TEMP POTENTIAL DEC 27: Below is where our latest forecast (or already-observed values) stand versus existing records at Grand Island and Hastings airports, the two NWS-maintained sites for which we issue official Record Event Reports (RERGRI/RERHSI).

- RECORD HIGH TEMPERATURES | Latest Forecast or Observed Grand Island, NE (GRI)

December 27: 64 in 1937 | Forecast: 64

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Hastings, NE (HSI)

December 27: 64 in 1937 | Forecast: 64

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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