Hastings, Neb. – Hot, windy, and dangerously dry weather grips south-central Nebraska this Saturday, with gusts up to 50 mph fueling elevated fire risk. Highs will push into the upper 80s to low 90s before a sharp cooldown begins late Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, a cold front will sweep through the region Sunday evening, bringing the best chance for showers and thunderstorms between 4 p.m. and midnight. Some storms could become strong to marginally severe, especially across southeastern counties. The NWS warns that lightning and brief damaging winds could accompany these storms, along with localized downpours.
As the front passes, temperatures will tumble nearly 25 degrees by Monday, when highs will only reach the mid-50s to mid-60s. Winds will ease but shift northerly, bringing a much cooler and more comfortable air mass for the start of the workweek. Another weak disturbance may trigger a few scattered showers Monday night into early Tuesday, mainly south of I-80.
Drivers along I-80 and U.S. 281 should remain alert to sudden crosswinds today and early evening, and residents are urged to delay any outdoor burning. Those with weekend outdoor plans should prepare for rapidly changing conditions and have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts.
Five-Day Forecast for Hastings, NE:
Sat: 89/68 – Hot, windy; fire danger and 20–40% storm chance late NW.
Sun: 73/55 – Cold front; 40–85% PM storms, some strong southeast.
Mon: 65/51 – Notably cooler; 20–45% PM showers, breezy north winds.
Tue: 64/44 – Partly cloudy; cool, calm morning.
Wed: 67/46 – Mostly sunny; pleasant and seasonable.
