Nebraska wakes up calm, but the risk builds fast.
Dry air, warming temperatures, and rising winds combine into a volatile mix by afternoon.
Early conditions feel quiet across south-central Nebraska. Temperatures sit near 40 degrees around Hastings, with light southwest winds. That calm will not last. As the day progresses, sunshine drives temperatures sharply higher, reaching the mid-70s by afternoon.
Winds strengthen steadily. Gusts reach 20 to 25 mph, with occasional higher bursts possible. At the same time, humidity drops into the mid-teens, creating near-critical to critical fire weather conditions. Grass fires could start easily and spread quickly, especially in open fields and rural areas.
The National Weather Service warns that Red Flag conditions are possible this afternoon, particularly west of Hastings toward Osborne and Rooks counties. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Avoid sparks, dragging chains, or parking vehicles on dry grass. Fire behavior may become aggressive for several hours.
By evening, conditions slowly ease. Winds turn northerly, and cooler air pushes in overnight. Temperatures fall into the lower 30s, offering relief from fire danger but setting up a sharp temperature swing.
Tuesday feels dramatically different. Highs drop back to around 51 degrees, with cooler north winds. Dry weather continues, and skies trend partly sunny. Wednesday stays seasonable, with highs near 51, before clouds increase again late.
Late week brings a modest chance of rain by Thursday, followed by cooler nights near freezing. No winter precipitation is expected locally, but the temperature swings remain notable for February.
Looking ahead into the 6–10 day window, longer-range signals suggest gradual warming returning across the central Plains into late week, easing winter’s grip after repeated cold snaps.
5-Day Outlook – Hastings, NE
- Today: Mostly sunny, windy, high 76
- Tuesday: Cooler, partly sunny, high 51
- Wednesday: Partly sunny, high 51
- Thursday: Slight rain chance, high 53
- Friday: Mostly sunny, high 50
