An original HastingsNow.com photo of the Hastings Bridge anchors this AI-assisted illustration of three November 8th moments. The historical scenes are artistic interpretations.
Hastings gets a sunny November Sunday with a high near 54°F. The morning starts in the low 40s, so lunch is a good landmark for anyone waiting for the day to warm up before heading down to the river.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Sunday night low: Near 54°F / around 33°F
Precipitation: 0% Sunday and Sunday night
Daytime wind: West-northwest at 5–10 mph
Morning. Early temperatures sit in the low 40s, then climb toward 50°F by late morning. Coffee and a jacket are a good pairing for a first lap around downtown, especially on the open stretch along the Mississippi.
Afternoon. Around lunchtime into midafternoon looks like the mildest window for yard work, a trip to Vermillion Falls or a longer walk through Levee Park. Sunshine sticks around for most of the day, with temperatures easing back into the upper 40s toward evening.
Evening and overnight. Sunday night turns partly cloudy and drops to around 33°F. If your plans start in the afternoon and carry on past dinner, the temperature difference will make an extra layer worthwhile.
What to wear or plan
A light jacket over a sweatshirt for morning errands or time near the river.
A midday window for outdoor chores or a longer family walk.
A warmer layer for evening plans, especially if you’ll be standing outside.
Weather Joke of the Day
Why did the Hastings bridge wear two jackets to Levee Park? It’s used to covering both banks.
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1926 — A Dakota County bridge turns 100
On November 8, 1926, the Fort Snelling–Mendota Bridge opened to traffic across the Minnesota River, linking what is now Mendota Heights with the Fort Snelling area. Its 13 main concrete arches made it the world’s longest bridge of its kind at the time. A century later, the crossing still carries Highway 55.
Source: MnDOT — Mendota ‘Gopher Gunners’ Bridge Turns 100
1960 — John F. Kennedy wins a close election
On November 8, 1960, Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy narrowly defeated Vice President Richard Nixon to win the presidency. At 43, Kennedy was the youngest person elected U.S. president. The race also brought presidential debates to television for the first time, giving viewers a chance to see the two candidates side by side.
Source: HISTORY — John F. Kennedy Elected President
1895 — A glow in a lab reveals X-rays
On November 8, 1895, physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was working in Würzburg, Germany, when an experiment made a nearby screen glow even though he had covered his glass tube with black cardboard. He traced the glow to invisible rays that could pass through soft tissue and reveal bones. The discovery gave doctors a way to look inside the body without surgery.
Source: American Physical Society — Roentgen’s Discovery of X-Rays
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings point forecast — Accessed November 7, 2026, at 4:52 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Hastings hourly forecast — Accessed November 7, 2026, at 4:52 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Active alerts for the Hastings forecast point — Accessed November 7, 2026, at 4:52 p.m. CT.
History sources
MnDOT — Mendota ‘Gopher Gunners’ Bridge Turns 100 — Accessed November 7, 2026, at 4:51 p.m. CT.
MnDOT — Fort Snelling–Mendota Bridge — Accessed November 7, 2026, at 4:51 p.m. CT.
HISTORY — John F. Kennedy Elected President — Accessed November 7, 2026, at 4:52 p.m. CT.
American Physical Society — Roentgen’s Discovery of X-Rays — Accessed November 7, 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.
Make time for a midday walk along the Mississippi if you can.
