Nebraska – Calm skies stretch over south-central Nebraska this morning, but the quiet start will not last. A sharp shift in weather is building across the Plains, bringing spring warmth first, then a burst of snow and powerful winds by Sunday.
Temperatures in Hastings begin near 40°F early today with mostly sunny skies across Adams County. The mild conditions will feel comfortable across town and along Highway 281. Winds remain light early before increasing slightly later in the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, temperatures climb toward 57°F this afternoon with partly sunny skies. The dry weather continues into the evening as clouds gradually increase.
The warmest day of the stretch arrives Saturday. Sunshine pushes highs close to 68°F across south-central Nebraska. It will feel unusually mild for mid-March, making outdoor plans and travel across Highway 6 and Interstate 80 smooth through the afternoon.
Meteorologists are now tracking a strong system expected to sweep through the Plains Sunday. Snow becomes likely by late morning as colder air pushes south into Nebraska. Temperatures fall toward the mid-30s as precipitation develops.
Winds will be the bigger story. Gusts between 35 and 55 mph could sweep across Hastings and surrounding communities. Blowing snow may briefly reduce visibility on open roads and rural highways across Adams, Clay, and Webster counties.
Travel could become difficult on exposed stretches of Highway 281 and Interstate 80 where crosswinds and blowing snow combine.
Conditions improve Sunday night as skies gradually clear. Monday turns sunny but colder, with temperatures only reaching the mid-30s.
A quieter weather pattern returns Tuesday before a larger warmup develops later next week.
Meteorologists continue monitoring the developing Plains storm as Sunday approaches.
Traveling Sunday across south-central Nebraska? Let us know what conditions look like near your community.
Five Day Outlook for Hastings, Nebraska
Friday: Mostly sunny and mild. High near 57°F.
Saturday: Mostly sunny and warm. High near 68°F.
Sunday: Snow likely and windy. High near 35°F.
Monday: Sunny and colder. High near 34°F.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy and milder. High near 57°F.
