An original HastingsNow.com photo of the Hastings Bridge anchors this AI-assisted illustration of three November 2nd moments. The historical scenes are artistic interpretations.
Rain joins the Monday routine in Hastings, with a mild afternoon and enough breeze to give umbrellas a workout. A hooded jacket looks like a useful companion for the trip between the car and the door.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / low: Near 63°F today; around 58°F Monday night into Tuesday.
Rain: 100% daytime chance; 80% Monday night.
Wind: Southeast at 10–20 mph, gusting up to 30 mph.
Daytime rainfall: About ½–¾ inch possible.
The regional NWS discussion points to rain spreading across eastern Minnesota around the morning commute, matching the Hastings forecast’s rain before noon. Wet-weather gear belongs with the usual backpacks, coffee cups and car keys.
The afternoon forecast includes a possible thunderstorm between noon and 3 p.m., with rain likely afterward. There isn’t a dependable dry window in this forecast for a longer river walk.
Monday night stays wet, with thunder possible earlier in the night. South-southeast winds run 5–15 mph, with gusts still reaching up to 30 mph.
What to wear or plan
A hooded rain jacket and shoes that handle wet sidewalks.
Comfortable layers that are easy to adjust during the mild afternoon.
A little extra travel time for school, work and errands.
An indoor backup for afternoon or evening outdoor plans.
Weather Joke of the Day
I brought an umbrella for a walk through downtown Hastings. It checked the wind forecast and asked whether flying lessons were included.
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1889 — The Dakotas Share a Statehood Anniversary
On November 2, 1889, North Dakota and South Dakota joined the United States, giving Minnesota’s western neighbors a shared statehood anniversary. President Benjamin Harrison deliberately obscured the order in which he signed their proclamations. North Dakota’s usual listing ahead of South Dakota reflects alphabetical order; the actual signing sequence remains unknown.
Source: North Dakota State Government — Fun Facts
1936 — BBC Television Takes the Stage
On November 2, 1936, the BBC launched its regular television service from Alexandra Palace in London. Opening-day entertainment included Adele Dixon singing a song written for the occasion, appropriately titled “Television.” Today marks 90 years since that milestone, when a scheduled program arriving on a small screen at home was still a remarkable new experience.
Source: Alexandra Palace — 10 Things You Might Not Know About BBC Television at Ally Pally
1947 — The Spruce Goose Takes Its Only Flight
On November 2, 1947, Howard Hughes piloted the enormous H-4 Hercules, better known as the Spruce Goose, over California’s Long Beach Harbor. Its only flight lasted about 30 seconds and covered just under half a mile. There’s a twist in the name, too: the aircraft’s wooden construction was overwhelmingly birch, giving this famous flying boat a particularly misleading nickname.
Source: North American Aerospace Museum — The Spruce Goose Lives On!
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings, MN Point Forecast — Accessed November 1, 2026, at 4:52 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Twin Cities Area Forecast Discussion — Accessed November 1, 2026, at 4:52 p.m. CT.
History sources
North Dakota State Government — Fun Facts — Accessed November 1, 2026, at 4:51 p.m. CT.
Alexandra Palace — 10 Things You Might Not Know About BBC Television at Ally Pally — Accessed November 1, 2026, at 4:51 p.m. CT.
North American Aerospace Museum — The Spruce Goose Lives On! — Accessed November 1, 2026, at 4:51 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 evening plans in Hastings.
