Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Friday, May 15th
AI image by HastingsNow.com
It’s a sunny, warm Friday in Hastings — the kind of day that makes downtown errands, Levee Park walks, and Mississippi River views feel a little more like early summer than mid-May. Keep the sunglasses handy, and maybe keep one eye on the sky later tonight.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Low: High near 87°F; low tonight around 53°F
Precipitation:20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Wind: West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph today; southwest wind around 5 mph tonight
Feels like: Warm, sunny, and almost July-ish by afternoon
Alerts/hazards:(not provided)
The National Weather Service forecast for Hastings calls for a sunny and warm Friday, with afternoon temperatures climbing near 87°F. Tonight stays partly cloudy, with only a slight chance of a quick shower or thunderstorm during the early evening window.
What to wear / what to plan
Short sleeves, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a good call.
Bring water if you’re walking downtown, working outside, or heading to Levee Park.
Evening plans should be fine, but check radar if you’ll be outside around 8–9 p.m.
A light layer may feel nice later tonight as temps drop into the low 50s.
Weather Joke of the Day
With 87° sunshine, Levee Park may need to gently remind the Mississippi River that it is still May, even if the forecast packed for July.
Infographic by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1994 — A 400-pound silverback gorilla named Casey escaped his exhibit at Como Zoo in St. Paul, causing about 45 minutes of commotion before being tranquilized and safely returned to his habitat. That’s a Minnesota “you had to be there” story if there ever was one.
1918 — The Post Office Department began scheduled airmail service between New York and Washington, D.C., creating the first U.S. airmail route. A century-plus later, it’s a good reminder that “fast delivery” used to mean putting letters on an airplane and hoping the weather cooperated.
1856 — L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was born in Chittenango, New York. His stories eventually gave American culture Dorothy, Toto, and one very famous road that was definitely not paved by Dakota County Public Works.
How we know
National Weather Service — “7-Day Forecast 44.74N 92.86W / Hastings MN” — accessed May 15, 2026, 6:23 a.m. CT; forecast update timestamp provided as 6:19 a.m. CT.
Minnesota Historical Society / MNopedia — “This Day in Minnesota History” — accessed May 15, 2026, 6:23 a.m. CT.
U.S. Postal Service Postal Facts — “1918 – Start of scheduled Airmail service” — accessed May 15, 2026, 6:23 a.m. CT.
Library of Congress — “Today in History - May 15” — accessed May 15, 2026, 6:23 a.m. CT.
Weather can change quickly, so check official alerts and the latest forecast before heading out for evening plans.
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