Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Sunday, May 17th
AI image by HastingsNow.com
It’s a cloudy, breezy Sunday in Hastings — the kind of day where Levee Park might still be worth a walk, but the umbrella deserves a spot near the door. If you’re headed downtown, keep one eye on the sky and one hand on your coffee.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Low: High near 70°F; Sunday night low around 61°F.
Precipitation:30% chance of showers today, with thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m.; showers and thunderstorms are likely Sunday night, mainly before 4 a.m., with rainfall around ¾ to 1 inch possible.
Wind: East-southeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph; still breezy tonight at 10 to 15 mph, shifting south-southwest after midnight.
Alerts / hazards: NWS shows no active hazardous weather conditions for Hastings, but the regional outlook notes possible heavy rain, frequent lightning, small hail, and scattered severe storms Sunday evening across much of central and southern Minnesota.
Today starts cloudy, with the breeze becoming part of the personality of the day. A few showers may wander through, and thunder becomes possible after lunchtime. The bigger “don’t-ignore-this” window arrives Sunday night, when showers and thunderstorms become much more likely before the early-morning hours Monday.
What to wear / what to plan
Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella if you’ll be out after lunch.
Secure patio umbrellas, porch cushions, and anything that likes to fly.
Plan daytime errands earlier if possible.
Keep overnight phones charged in case weather alerts update.
Weather Joke of the Day
Today’s Hastings forecast is basically Levee Park saying, “Come on down — but bring a backup plan and hold onto your hat.”
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1806 — James Shields is born in Ireland. Shields later became a U.S. senator from three different states — Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri — and after moving to Faribault, became one of Minnesota’s first two U.S. senators.
1954 — Brown v. Board of Education is decided. On May 17, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racially segregated public schools were inherently unequal and unconstitutional, a landmark moment in American civil rights history.
1875 — The first Kentucky Derby is run. Oliver Lewis rode Aristides to victory at the Louisville Jockey Club; the Derby later became the oldest consecutively held thoroughbred horse race in the United States.
How we know
National Weather Service — “Extended Forecast for Hastings MN.” Forecast page lists Hastings, MN point forecast, last update 11:57 p.m. CDT May 16, 2026, valid beginning 12 a.m. CDT May 17, 2026. Accessed May 17, 2026, 12:09 a.m. CT.
National Weather Service — “Watches, Warnings & Advisories / Hazardous Weather Outlook.” The advisory page showed no active hazardous weather conditions for Hastings, while the regional outlook discussed storm risks. Accessed May 17, 2026, 12:09 a.m. CT.
Minnesota Historical Society / MNopedia — “This Day in Minnesota History.” Accessed May 17, 2026, 12:09 a.m. CT.
Associated Press — “Today in History: May 17, Supreme Court strikes down school segregation.” Accessed May 17, 2026, 12:09 a.m. CT.
Library of Congress — “Today in History - May 17.” Accessed May 17, 2026, 12:09 a.m. CT.
Weather can change quickly, especially with thunderstorms, so readers should check official alerts before heading out or going to bed.
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