Nebraska swings from springlike warmth to late-winter whiplash in just days, and the shift starts now in Hastings.
Temperatures have already climbed through the 30s this morning under clear skies. Highs surge to 68 degrees today with sunshine and west winds turning north this afternoon. Gusts reach near 20 mph. Dry air and relative humidity between 15 and 20 percent will combine with gusty northwest winds of 20 to 25 mph across the area. Near-critical fire weather conditions are possible. Avoid outdoor burning and secure loose equipment.
Tonight turns mostly clear with lows near 31 degrees.
Saturday stays sunny and cooler, with highs around 55. Clouds increase Saturday night as lows dip to 21.
By Sunday, winter pushes back in. The National Weather Service calls for a 50 percent chance of a wintry mix before noon, then snow. Highs reach just 34 degrees. New snow accumulation looks light, generally under one inch, mainly east of Highway 281. Even a light dusting could create slick stretches on Highways 6 and 34.
Sunday night drops to 19 degrees. Any melted moisture may refreeze, raising flash-freeze concerns.
Monday brings another chance of snow before noon, then rain and snow mixed, with highs near 39. Rain chances increase Monday night into Tuesday, with highs reaching the mid-40s.
Early March trends milder overall, and longer-range guidance hints at a gradual warming trend heading into midweek and beyond.
Five-Day Outlook for Hastings, Nebraska:
Today: Sunny, high 68.
Saturday: Sunny, high 55.
Sunday: Wintry mix then snow, high 34.
Monday: Chance snow then rain/snow, high 39.
Tuesday: Chance rain, high 46.
