textproduct: Hastings

KEY MESSAGES

- Light snow moves through the area this evening and tonight. A dusting is possible as far north as I-80, but highest totals (around 2") are favored in northern Kansas.

- A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6pm this evening to 6am Saturday for Rooks, Osborne, and Mitchell Counties.

- Cooler-than-normal temperatures continue through Monday, then a significant warmup is expected for the rest of next week.

- Mostly dry conditions are expected next week with only a low chance (10-20%) for light precip (mainly rain) Wednesday into Thursday.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 123 PM CST Fri Feb 20 2026

After a mostly clear (but cold) day on Friday, a shortwave is expected to bring snow to portions of the area this evening through tonight. Near-term models have snow creeping into the area around 6pm, with the majority of the snow ending by sunrise on Saturday. The peak timeframe is roughly 10pm to 3am. CAMs suggest that this may occur in one or more relatively narrow bands, and there is some question on northward extent of accumulating snow. But the overall consensus is that northern/central Kansas has the best chance to see 1-2"+ of new snowfall in at least some areas. As such, a Winter Weather Advisory was issued for I-70 and the surrounding counties. Winds will be relatively light, which will help mitigate the overall impact.

Skies slowly clear on Saturday, keeping temperatures in the 30s for most (possibly into the 40s in KS and far southern Neb). Another shortwave then passes to our east, which will keep temperatures on the colder side Sunday and Monday.

Ridging builds over the western CONUS on Monday, allowing for a quick warmup on Tuesday. Lingering snowpack provides a little uncertainty, but temperatures are favored to reach the 60s across most of the area. Wednesday through next Friday are expected to be similar. There is a low chance (10-20%) for precipitation with a quick-moving shortwave Wednesday night into Thursday, but ensembles (and the latest NBM) have backed off on this potential somewhat.

Beyond that, at least a brief shot of colder air is expected as we transition back to northwest flow next weekend, but there is quite a bit of model spread when it comes to the duration/intensity of this cold.

AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z SUNDAY/

Issued at 529 PM CST Fri Feb 20 2026

For KGRI/KEAR Airports:

Mainly VFR conditions anticipated at both terminals through the period although there is a moderate chance (20-50%) that some MVFR CIGS/VSBYS impact KEAR during the overnight hours into the first half of Saturday.

Mid level cloud cover is spilling in across the local area this evening with CIGS starting to lower across Kansas. Expect additional saturation of the atmosphere this evening as the approaching disturbance moves into the central plains with CIGS potentially lowering to near MVFR levels at KEAR...with less of a potential further east at KGRI. CIGS will eventually improve around 21/18Z...with prevailing VFR conditions thereafter. Winds will be very light and somewhat variable overnight, increasing to near 10 KTS out of the north-northwest behind the approaching disturbance Saturday afternoon.

GID WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

NE...None. KS...Winter Weather Advisory until 6 AM CST Saturday for KSZ017>019.