Nebraska – Dry air and strengthening winds are setting the stage for elevated fire danger across south central Nebraska this morning. In Hastings, temperatures sit near 28 degrees under clear skies, but the calm start will not last.
Sunshine dominates today, and highs climb to 63 degrees. Northwest winds increase to 15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph. Humidity drops toward 20 percent this afternoon. That combination creates near-critical fire weather conditions, especially west of the Tri-Cities.
Avoid outdoor burning today. Even small sparks can spread quickly in dry grass.
Clear skies continue tonight with lows around 35 degrees. The warm stretch builds into Friday, when Hastings reaches 67 degrees under full sun. Winds shift north in the afternoon and could gust near 20 mph.
Saturday stays sunny with a high near 51 degrees, signaling a brief cooldown as we head toward the final weekend of February.
Late Saturday night, a slight chance of snow or sleet develops after midnight. By Sunday, a 50 percent chance of snow and freezing rain moves in. Highs only reach 29 degrees. Roads could turn slick quickly, especially on bridges and rural highways. This is the time of year when melting refreezes fast, creating icy patches by evening.
Sunday night drops to 14 degrees with another chance of snow. Monday brings a chance of snow before noon, then rain and snow mixed, with highs near 36.
Looking ahead into early March, temperatures moderate again. Highs rebound into the upper 40s and near 50 by midweek, hinting at early spring warmth returning to Nebraska.
Five Day Outlook for Hastings:
Today: Sunny, high 63, gusty.
Friday: Sunny, high 67.
Saturday: Sunny, high 51.
Sunday: Snow and freezing rain possible, high 29.
Monday: Rain and snow mix, high 36.
