Hastings, NE – A marginal threat for severe thunderstorms will develop across south-central Nebraska Tuesday evening, potentially impacting travel and outdoor activities. The primary risk with these storms will be damaging winds and large hail. Residents should prepare for unsettled weather before a significant pattern shift brings intense heat to the region later in the week, just in time for the Juneteenth holiday and the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, the main window for severe weather is between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. Wednesday. The strongest storms could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail as large as one inch in diameter. While the tornado threat remains low, isolated severe thunderstorms are possible along and south of the Nebraska-Kansas border. Any storm that develops could also bring a quick one to two inches of rain, leading to minor, short-term flooding in some areas. Drivers along Interstate 80 and other local roadways should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.
Following the storms, the weather pattern will change dramatically. Wednesday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 80 degrees. The forecast for Juneteenth on Thursday shows mostly clear skies and a high around 93 degrees. The heat intensifies heading into the weekend. Both Friday and Saturday are forecast to be sunny and hot, with high temperatures reaching near 100 degrees. The heat index, or what the temperature feels like, could climb as high as 105 degrees across the area.
Residents should take precautions against the heat. Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day. Stay hydrated and know the signs of heat-related illness. The extended period of heat will continue into early next week.
Here is the five-day forecast for Hastings:
- Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 1 a.m. High near 81.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
- Thursday (Juneteenth): Mostly clear, with a high near 93.
- Friday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.
- Saturday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101.
