Hastings, Nebraska – Hotter weather is surging back into central Nebraska, with thunderstorms expected to fire up Friday night and potentially severe conditions continuing through Saturday evening. Temperatures will then climb sharply, peaking near 100°F by Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, Thursday will remain dry and seasonably cool, with highs in the mid to upper 70s and southeast winds at 10 to 15 MPH. Storm chances increase after dark and persist through early next week. The strongest storms are expected Friday night into Saturday, bringing risks of damaging winds, hail, and heavy rainfall.
Cities including Grand Island, Kearney, and York may see localized flooding or power outages if storms intensify. Travel delays are possible on highways like I-80 and US-281 during peak storm hours. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, check weather alerts frequently, and avoid travel during severe weather windows.
After the storms, a dome of high heat builds quickly. Highs will surge into the 90s on Sunday and could hit 101°F by Monday afternoon. This marks one of the hottest stretches so far this summer for much of south-central Nebraska.
Heat alerts may be issued this weekend as conditions worsen. Stay weather-aware and hydrated.
5-DAY FORECAST FOR CENTRAL NEBRASKA:
- Thursday: Partly cloudy, 74–78°F. ESE wind 10–15 MPH.
- Friday: Thunderstorms likely PM. 85–93°F. S wind 10–15 MPH.
- Saturday: Scattered storms, some severe. 85–98°F. ESE wind 10–15 MPH.
- Sunday: Hot, humid, isolated storms. 87–99°F. SE wind 10–15 MPH.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, extreme heat. 92–101°F. SE wind 10–15 MPH.
