Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
An original HastingsNow.com photo of the Hastings Bridge anchors this AI-assisted illustration of three October 11th moments. The historical scenes are artistic interpretations.
The pumpkins can stay on the porch, but the heavy sweaters can take Sunday off. The National Weather Service forecasts sunshine and a high near 87°F for Hastings—a summerlike setting for an October river walk.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Sunday-night low: Around 87°F / 67°F.
Rain: Not expected during the day; the hourly forecast shows a 0% precipitation chance.
Wind: South-southwest around 10 mph during the day, becoming south at 5–10 mph Sunday night.
Sunday morning begins in the upper 60s, with temperatures moving through the 70s as the morning progresses. That makes the earlier hours the cooler choice for yardwork, a longer walk or getting a few outdoor chores finished.
By afternoon, temperatures climb into the upper 80s. Sunshine leads the forecast, although a few clouds may appear. Downtown errands and time along the Mississippi come with a decidedly warm-weather feel rather than a bundle-up-and-hurry-back-inside mood.
Clouds increase Sunday night, and the overnight low settles near 67°F toward Monday morning. That is the low for the night following Sunday’s warm afternoon—not the temperature expected at the start of Sunday.
What to wear or plan
Lightweight layers and comfortable shoes suit this warm October forecast.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle are useful companions for a longer outing.
Morning offers a cooler window for yardwork or a longer river walk; afternoon plans pair nicely with a shady break.
Weather Joke of the Day
Why did the pumpkin bring sunscreen to Levee Park? It wanted to be carved, not baked.
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1887 — A Duluth invention makes elevator rides safer
On October 11, 1887, Duluth inventor Alexander Miles received U.S. Patent 371,207 for an elevator-door mechanism that improved safety. His system used a belt, drums, levers and rollers to help elevator-shaft doors open and close at the proper times, addressing the danger of doors left open. It is a Minnesota story about noticing an everyday problem—and engineering a better way to handle it.
Source: Lemelson-MIT — Alexander Miles: Automatic Elevator Door
1968 — Apollo 7 takes the next big step
On October 11, 1968, Apollo 7 lifted off with Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele and Walt Cunningham aboard, beginning NASA’s first crewed Apollo mission. The flight stayed in Earth orbit, where the crew tested the command and service module and its systems. It was not a Moon landing, but it was an important step toward one: testing the spacecraft with people aboard before Apollo traveled farther from home.
Source: NASA — Apollo 7
1975 — Saturday Night Live has its opening night
George Carlin hosted the first episode of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975, with music from Billy Preston and Janis Ian. The premiere also included Weekend Update, an Andy Kaufman performance and a short film by Albert Brooks. Before it was a television tradition, it was opening night: a fresh mix of comedy, music and performers trying to make an audience laugh.
Source: Apple TV / NBC — Saturday Night Live: George Carlin, October 11, 1975
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings Point Forecast — Accessed October 10, 2026, at 6:44 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Hastings Hourly Forecast Table — Accessed October 10, 2026, at 6:44 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Regional Hazardous Weather Outlook — Accessed October 10, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. CT.
History sources
Lemelson-MIT — Alexander Miles: Automatic Elevator Door — Accessed October 10, 2026, at 6:44 p.m. CT.
NASA — Apollo 7 — Accessed October 10, 2026, at 6:44 p.m. CT.
Apple TV / NBC — Saturday Night Live: George Carlin, October 11, 1975 — Accessed October 10, 2026, at 6:44 p.m. CT.
Weather can change quickly, especially with summer storms, so readers should check official alerts and radar before heading out.
Make a little time to enjoy Hastings outdoors today, with a shady break when you need one.
