Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
Original photo by Ashley Media
Sunday will be hot enough to shape the entire day in Hastings. A small morning rain chance should give way to mostly sunny skies, dangerous afternoon heat and a better chance of showers and thunderstorms Sunday night.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Low: Near 94°F / Near 72°F
Morning rain chance: 20%, mainly before 1 p.m.
Sunday-night rain chance: 60%
Wind: Southwest at 5–10 mph
Alert: Extreme Heat Warning through 9 p.m. Sunday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is possible during the morning, with thunderstorms most likely before about 10 a.m. and a lingering shower chance through early afternoon. Most of Sunday should otherwise be mostly sunny.
The afternoon will be dangerously hot. The air temperature is forecast to reach the middle 90s, while the official Extreme Heat Warning says the combination of heat and humidity could produce heat-index values between 105°F and 110°F.
That level of heat can become dangerous quickly, especially during outdoor work, sports, long walks or time spent without reliable air conditioning. Even a normal trip through Downtown Hastings or an afternoon at the park deserves a water bottle, shade breaks and a shorter schedule.
Sunday evening will remain warm, but rain chances will increase. Showers are likely before about 10 p.m., followed by showers and a possible thunderstorm through the late evening and early overnight hours. The temperature should fall only to around 72°F.
What to wear or plan
Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Carry water and take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shade.
Schedule strenuous outdoor activity for early morning when possible.
Check the radar before evening plans or a late river walk.
Weather Joke of the Day
Why did the Hastings bridge lean toward the Mississippi on Sunday? Even concrete wanted a cold drink.
AI infographic by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1849 — A Future Minnesota Governor Is Born
William Rush Merriam was born in Wadhams Mills, New York, on July 26, 1849. He moved to St. Paul as a child, entered banking and politics, and became Minnesota’s eleventh governor in 1889. Merriam later directed the twelfth national census and helped persuade Congress to establish a permanent Census Bureau.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society — William Rush Merriam
1958 — Explorer 4 Studies Earth’s Radiation Belts
Explorer 4 launched on July 26, 1958, to investigate the radiation surrounding Earth. The satellite made detailed measurements of charged particles trapped within the planet’s radiation belts, adding to discoveries made by earlier Explorer missions and helping scientists better understand the space environment surrounding our planet.
Source: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory — Explorer 4
1990 — The Americans with Disabilities Act Becomes Law
President George H. W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, during a ceremony at the White House. The landmark law prohibited disability discrimination across major parts of American life, including employment, public services, transportation, public accommodations and telecommunications.
Source: National Archives — Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings, Minnesota Point Forecast — Accessed July 25, 2026, at 9:33 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Active Alerts for the Hastings Point — Accessed July 25, 2026, at 9:33 p.m. CT.
History sources
Minnesota Historical Society — William Rush Merriam — Accessed July 25, 2026, at 9:33 p.m. CT.
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory — Explorer 4 — Accessed July 25, 2026, at 9:33 p.m. CT.
National Archives — Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act — Accessed July 25, 2026, at 9:33 p.m. CT.
Weather can change quickly, especially with summer storms, so readers should check official alerts and radar before heading out.
Check on a Hastings neighbor who may need help staying cool.
