textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Temperatures in the 60s to low 70s through Tuesday will later reach the 70s to low 80s by Thursday/Friday.

- A chance (20-50%) for fog may be possible tonight, though overall conditions don't seem to favorable for widespread dense fog.

- The next chance for precipitation does not come until Friday night (20-40%).

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 /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z MONDAY/

Issued at 1237 PM CDT Sun Oct 18 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

Southerly winds around 15-20kt and gusting as high as 30kts today will gradually lighten this evening and tonight. A few mid-to-high base clouds will pass after 0z today, though conditions are likely to remain VFR. There is a low-end chance for fog formation (20-40%) tonight/Monday morning. The confidence is not quite high enough to include in the TAF for now.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

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