Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
Original photo by Ashley Media
Friday in Hastings looks cool, gray and wet, with showers and a few thunderstorms likely through much of the day. It will feel more like a rainy break from midsummer than the final day of July.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Low: Near 74°F Friday; around 60°F Friday night
Rain: 80% chance during the day, with showers and thunderstorms most likely in the morning and showers lingering into the afternoon
Wind: Northeast at 5–15 mph
Rainfall: About one-quarter to one-half inch possible
The morning should bring the day’s steadiest wet weather, with showers and thunderstorms forecast before 1 p.m. Roads, sidewalks and outdoor work areas may be damp through the morning commute and lunchtime.
Showers remain likely during the afternoon, with a thunderstorm still possible between 1 and 4 p.m. Temperatures should hold near 74°F, while a northeast breeze adds to the cool, rainy feel.
Rain chances fall to 40% Friday night, mainly before 7 p.m. Clouds should gradually break after that, with a low near 60°F and lighter north wind overnight.
The National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook says thunderstorms are possible Friday and the probability of severe weather is low. The outlook is not a warning, watch or advisory.
What to wear or plan
A rain jacket or umbrella will be useful for morning and afternoon plans.
Waterproof shoes may be worthwhile for longer walks or outdoor work.
Extra braking distance will help on wet roads.
A light layer may feel comfortable in the northeast breeze.
Weather Joke of the Day
Why did the Hastings umbrella ask for overtime pay? Friday has it scheduled for the morning commute, afternoon errands and possibly a Levee Park dinner shift.
AI Infographic by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
2006 — A 101-Degree July Finale
On July 31, 2006, the official Twin Cities observing site reached 101°F, and the overnight low was a sultry 80°F. That is quite a contrast with today’s cool, rainy Hastings forecast—and a good reminder that Minnesota can deliver very different versions of the final day of July.
Source: Minnesota State Climatology Office — A History of 100 Degrees in the Twin Cities
1790 — America Issued Its First Patent
On July 31, 1790, Samuel Hopkins received the first U.S. patent for a process used to make potash, an ingredient in fertilizer. President George Washington signed the document, helping launch a federal patent system meant to encourage useful invention. It was an early signal that the new nation intended to reward practical ideas.
Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office — Milestones in U.S. Patenting
1954 — Two Climbers Reached K2’s Summit
On July 31, 1954, Achille Compagnoni and Lino Lacedelli became the first climbers to reach the summit of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. Their success followed decades of failed attempts on one of the most difficult peaks on Earth and depended on vital support from Walter Bonatti and Amir Mahdi.
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings, Minnesota Point Forecast — Accessed July 30, 2026, at 8:21 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service Twin Cities — Area Forecast Discussion — Accessed July 30, 2026, at 8:21 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service Twin Cities — Hazardous Weather Outlook — Accessed July 30, 2026, at 8:21 p.m. CT.
History sources
Minnesota State Climatology Office — A History of 100 Degrees in the Twin Cities — Accessed July 30, 2026, at 8:21 p.m. CT.
United States Patent and Trademark Office — Milestones in U.S. Patenting — Accessed July 30, 2026, at 8:21 p.m. CT.
The Himalayan Club — K2 “The Savage Mountain” — Accessed July 30, 2026, at 8:21 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 leaving for work, errands or evening plans.
