Hastings, Nebraska – Hastings residents experienced their wettest July in 14 years as storms repeatedly soaked the region, swelling rain gauges across 30 counties and pushing many towns above seasonal averages. According to the National Weather Service in Hastings, nearly 80% of their coverage area recorded at least slightly above-normal rainfall, with the majority of totals ranging between 3.15 and 7 inches—about 85% to 190% of what’s typical for July.
Greeley, Nance, and Thayer counties ranked as the overall wettest, while Franklin and Harlan counties saw the driest conditions. Hebron marked its fifth-wettest July on record, a milestone for the city. At the Tri Cities airports, Hastings stood out with 4.91 inches—136% of normal—while Grand Island (3.20 inches) and Kearney (3.53 inches) finished closer to their long-term averages.
Drivers across U.S. 281 and I-80 faced occasional ponding and reduced visibility, with local emergency managers reminding residents to avoid flooded roads and keep cellphones charged during active weather. Farmers are watching fields for signs of over-saturation, but so far, runoff concerns remain localized.
Rain chances continue for parts of Nebraska through the upcoming weekend. Additional advisories may be issued as storm systems linger.
