Nebraska skies will stay hazy Thursday as smoke drifts across Hastings, creating poor visibility and potential health concerns. Residents with breathing issues should limit outdoor activity. Drivers on U.S. Highway 6 and nearby county roads may encounter smoky stretches that reduce visibility through Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, winds will shift Thursday afternoon, drawing in drier air but keeping smoke overhead. Highs will reach near 78 degrees before a slight chance of thunderstorms develops by late evening. South winds could gust to 20 mph, which may carry smoke into neighborhoods and rural stretches along I-80.
Friday will bring a much-needed shift. Cooler northwest winds will push smoke out, and skies will clear with highs around 67. Sunny weather holds through Saturday, though nights will stay chilly with lows dipping into the upper 40s. By Sunday, conditions improve further with highs in the low 70s under mostly sunny skies, a classic early fall pattern.
Residents should stay alert for shifting air quality through Thursday night and prepare for cooler mornings this weekend. Keep windows closed if smoke thickens, and consider limiting evening outdoor events.
More stable fall weather takes over by early next week, with highs climbing into the upper 70s by Tuesday. Another slight chance of showers may return late Monday night into Tuesday, though most of Nebraska will stay dry.
Five Day Forecast for Hastings, Nebraska
- Thursday: Smoke, high near 78, slight storm chance at night. Low 53.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy early, then sunny. High 67, low 46.
- Saturday: Sunny, crisp air. High 69, low 48.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, fall-like. High 71, low 56.
- Monday: Partly sunny, small shower chance late. High 74, low 50.
