Nebraska – A strong cold front is sweeping through south-central Nebraska today, bringing gusty winds and rainy conditions to the Hastings area and surrounding counties. Residents and travelers, particularly along Highway 281, are advised to prepare for sustained winds between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Hastings.
The NWS reports that showers will continue throughout the morning, transitioning to mostly sunny conditions by Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-50s, providing a chilly backdrop to the blustery conditions. While rainfall totals are expected to remain light, the combination of wet roads and high winds may lead to hazardous driving conditions, especially on exposed roadways like Highway 281.
Looking ahead, Thursday is forecast to bring clearer skies and calmer winds, with temperatures reaching a high of 61°F. Winds are predicted to shift from the northwest to southwest at a gentler 5 to 15 mph by the afternoon. Friday and Saturday will continue the trend of mild and sunny conditions, with highs in the low to mid-60s, offering some relief from the blustery weather earlier in the week.
Despite the low probability of additional hazardous weather beyond today, the NWS advises residents to monitor local alerts and exercise caution during high-wind periods. Travelers should be especially cautious on highways and in open areas vulnerable to gusts. For ongoing updates, residents can check weather.gov/hastings.