Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Friday, August 7, 2026
Friday looks like a warm August day in Hastings, with clouds building and a modest chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Earlier outdoor plans should have the quieter weather, while Friday night turns mostly clear and noticeably cooler.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Low: Around 83°F Friday afternoon, then near 58°F overnight
Precipitation: 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 1 and 4 p.m.
Wind: South at 5–10 mph, becoming west during the afternoon
Storm outlook: A few afternoon storms could become strong enough for damaging wind gusts or large hail
Friday morning should be the quieter part of the day around Hastings, with clouds gradually increasing as temperatures climb. If you have errands, outdoor work or a Mississippi River walk in mind, the morning offers the simpler weather window.
The National Weather Service gives Hastings a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday, mainly between 1 and 4 p.m., with a high near 83°F. Winds should begin from the south at 5–10 mph before shifting west during the afternoon.
There is one extra detail worth knowing: the NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook says scattered storms are expected to develop ahead of a cold front Friday afternoon, and a few could become strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts and large hail. The outlook is not itself a warning, watch or advisory.
By Friday evening, conditions should settle down. The forecast calls for mostly clear skies overnight with a low around 58°F, making for a considerably cooler finish to the day.
What to wear or plan
Lightweight summer clothes should work well through the warm part of the day.
Keep a rain shell or umbrella handy if you will be out between roughly 1 and 4 p.m.
Give afternoon outdoor plans a little flexibility in case a thunderstorm develops.
A light layer may feel good later in the evening as temperatures head toward the upper 50s.
Weather Joke of the Day
The clouds over Hastings have a 30% chance of dropping by Friday afternoon — apparently even thunderstorms keep tentative summer plans at Levee Park.
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1679 — Le Griffon Sails Into Lake Erie
On August 7, 1679, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, and his expedition sailed Le Griffon from the Niagara River into Lake Erie on their way toward Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Northern Michigan University’s Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center describes Le Griffon as the first sailing vessel on the Upper Great Lakes. Its later disappearance became one of the region’s enduring maritime mysteries.
Source: Northern Michigan University — Myths & Mysteries: Le Griffon
1782 — Washington Creates the Badge Behind the Purple Heart
On August 7, 1782, General George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to recognize regular soldiers and noncommissioned officers for unusual gallantry, extraordinary fidelity or essential service during the American Revolution. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs identifies the badge as the origin of today’s Purple Heart and the nation’s oldest military decoration. The modern Purple Heart was revived in 1932.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA and the Purple Heart: the nation’s oldest military award
1974 — Philippe Petit Walks Between the Twin Towers
On August 7, 1974, 24-year-old French high-wire artist Philippe Petit stepped onto a cable stretched between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, 1,350 feet above the ground. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum says Petit made eight passes during a 45-minute performance, at times walking, running, dancing and kneeling. The unauthorized feat drew a growing crowd below and made Petit famous.
Source: 9/11 Memorial & Museum — Remembering Philippe Petit’s Walk Between the Twin Towers
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — 7-Day Forecast for Hastings, Minnesota — Accessed August 6, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen — Hazardous Weather Outlook — Accessed August 6, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. CT.
History sources
Northern Michigan University — Myths & Mysteries: Le Griffon — Accessed August 6, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. CT.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA and the Purple Heart: the nation’s oldest military award — Accessed August 6, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. CT.
9/11 Memorial & Museum — Remembering Philippe Petit’s Walk Between the Twin Towers — Accessed August 6, 2026, at 6:10 p.m. CT.
Weather can change quickly, especially with summer storms, so readers should check official alerts and radar before heading out.
Check the radar before heading out for Friday afternoon plans in Hastings.
