textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Seasonably warm weather expected throughout the week with highs in the 60s, increasing to the 70s-low 80s by mid-late week.

- Largely dry weather expected through mid week, with more widespread precipitation chances Friday night-this weekend.

UPDATE

Issued at 243 AM CDT Mon Oct 19 2026

A passing disturbance traversing through the southwesterly flow aloft is resulting in partly cloudy skies across the area. As the disturbance lifts further into the Plains this morning, it could bring sprinkles to portions of north central Kansas. Another seasonable-seasonably warm day is expected as highs climb into the 60s. Winds remain fairly light throughout the day, resulting in a pleasant start to the week. Lows tonight will be in the 40s with mostly clear skies. Pleasant weather continues on Tuesday with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Winds will be slightly stronger during the afternoon, gusting 20-25mph. Temperatures climb through the end of the week as ridging strengthens over the Plains. Highs will be in the 70s to low 80s, with lows in the upper 40s-50s. A deeper trough lifts into the Plains on Friday resulting in a windy day with southerly winds gusting 30-40mph. The trough will also bring a return of precipitation chances to the area, which continue into the weekend. Model spread brings uncertainty on the exact timing and evolution of rain chances, though this will become clearer as we get closer in time.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 203 PM CDT Sun Oct 18 2026

Clear skies have returned today as a gentle ridge rests overhead (providing weak subsidence). The sky conditions mixed with steady southerly winds gusting as high as 25-30MPH this afternoon, have lead to the quick warmup (highs this afternoon nearing the upper 60s to low 70s). Despite the warmer temperatures, overnight lows should still remain on track to fall back down to the upper 30s and 40s. Tonight, a few models (RRFS, HRRR & NAMNEST) indicate the potential for fog formation, especially across the Platte River Valley. The wind directions (south/southeasterly) as well as the presence of a few passing high-level clouds, limit our confidence/concern to a degree tonight for widespread dense fog formation (not ideal conditions). In addition, dewpoints (mid 30s to low 40s) may be just be a touch out of reach for temperatures to reach to reach condensation outside of a few more isolated areas.

Beyond the slight potential for fog Monday morning (30-50% chance), similar day-time temperatures (mid 60s to low 70s highs) should return Monday and Tuesday afternoon as the overarching pattern remains almost untouched. The winds out of the south will retain, though speeds will be more steady as the surface high pressure center to the east broadens out (winds 5-10MPH gusting as high as 15- 25MPH).

The next notable pattern chance should come around Wednesday as the ridging across the central U.S. amplifies. This feature will continue to suppress any precipitation chances through at least Thursday. In addition, the continuation of the mostly clear skies and steady southerly winds should help temperatures lift up into the 70s to even low 80s by Thursday. Locations near and south of the state line currently look to have a 50-75% chance of seeing highs exceed the 70s on Thursday with a 25-50% chance of exceedance for the remainder of south central Nebraska.

Behind this ridge, a building low/trough across the Southwest coast will prepare to makes its assent up to the Northern Plains by the end of the week. This disturbance may be responsible for the area's next best precipitation potential Friday night(20-40% chance; increasing towards the west). 30-40% PoPs retain across the day Saturday as a potential cold front may make its way through the region. Details for this event remain more wishy-washy as run to run model guidance still remains fairly inconsistent at this time.

AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z TUESDAY/

Issued at 1224 AM CDT Mon Oct 19 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

VFR conditions through TAF period. Can't completely rule out some patchy fog around sunrise, but models support visibility remaining VFR. Otherwise passing high clouds are possible throughout TAF period. Light south-southeast winds are expected, strongest during the afternoon when gusts may reach 10-12kts.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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