Weather
Nebraska Weather Alert: 45 MPH Wind Gusts Expected Friday Oct 23
Hastings, NE – A significant increase in wind speeds is expected across south central Nebraska later this week, with gusts potentially reaching 45 mph Friday as temperatures remain unusually mild for
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-20T11:29:54.439Z
Hastings, NE – A significant increase in wind speeds is expected across south central Nebraska later this week, with gusts potentially reaching 45 mph Friday as temperatures remain unusually mild for late October.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, southerly winds will strengthen through the second half of the week, bringing increasingly breezy conditions before the strongest gusts arrive Friday, October 23.
Tuesday begins with afternoon temperatures ranging from 68 to 73 degrees, accompanied by south winds of 10 to 15 mph and gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph.
Scattered showers are also possible Tuesday afternoon through the overnight hours, particularly across southern and southeastern portions of the forecast area.
Wednesday offers a temporary break from stronger winds.
Mostly sunny skies are expected Wednesday, October 21, with temperatures climbing between 72 and 76 degrees. Southerly winds should remain relatively light at 5 to 10 mph.
By Thursday, October 22, conditions will become noticeably breezier as southeast winds increase to 10 to 15 mph, with gusts between 20 and 30 mph. Afternoon highs could reach 74 to 79 degrees.
Friday is expected to bring the strongest winds of the week.
Forecasters anticipate southeast winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 30 to 45 mph across portions of the region.
High temperatures Friday will remain between 74 and 78 degrees.
The stronger gusts could make driving more difficult for high profile vehicles, particularly along exposed highways and open rural roads.
Residents should also secure lightweight outdoor decorations, trash containers and other loose objects before Friday's stronger winds arrive.
The forecast covers the Hastings and Grand Island region, surrounding south central Nebraska communities and portions of north central Kansas.
Wind speeds and timing may change as Friday approaches.
Residents can monitor updated forecasts at weather.gov/gid.