An original HastingsNow.com photo of the Hastings Bridge anchors this AI-assisted illustration of three November 12th moments. The historical scenes are artistic interpretations.
Hastings gets some sunshine Thursday, but it’s still a coat day. We’ll start in the mid-30s, reach about 41°F in the afternoon and drop into the low 20s overnight.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Thursday night low — About 41°F / 23°F
Daytime precipitation — 4% chance
Wind — From the north at 5–10 mph during the day, easing overnight
Morning. Expect temperatures near 34°F around school drop-off. The day starts with more cloud cover, then turns partly sunny during the morning. The north wind will be noticeable if you’re waiting outside at a bus stop or walking a few blocks downtown.
Afternoon. Temperatures hover near 40°F from late morning through much of the afternoon, with some sun between the clouds. That’s the mildest stretch for errands on Second Street or a walk at Levee Park. The north breeze sticks around through most of the afternoon.
Evening and overnight. The breeze lets up, skies stay partly cloudy and temperatures fall well below freezing by Friday morning. The overnight low is around 23°F.
What to wear or plan
A warm coat and light gloves make sense for the morning walk or bus stop.
Late morning through midafternoon looks like the most comfortable window for a longer stretch outdoors.
An extra layer will come in handy for an evening dog walk or a trip back to the car.
Weather Joke of the Day
What did the north wind say to my coat at Levee Park? “Nice zipper. Mind if I let myself in?”
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1925 — The Mille Lacs Trading Post Gets a Permanent Home
On November 12, 1925, Harry and Jeanette Ayer opened their trading post in a new building at Vineland Bay on Mille Lacs Lake. The store served the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and later became a place where local artists sold their work. According to MNopedia, Harry put a cake of yeast on the shelf a day ahead of Friday the 13th so the store could officially open on a Thursday.
Source: MNopedia — Mille Lacs Indian Trading Post
1954 — Ellis Island’s Last Detainees Leave
On November 12, 1954, federal immigration officials transferred the last people held at Ellis Island. The island had once been an arrival point for millions, but by then detention was the main immigration function left there. The ferry made its final run later that month, leaving the island vacant.
Source: National Park Service — Ellis Island Chronology
1980 — Voyager 1 Gets a Close Look at Saturn
On November 12, 1980, NASA’s Voyager 1 made its closest pass by Saturn. Its observations revealed a new ring and showed how small moons help keep parts of the ring system sharply defined. The spacecraft also photographed Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, whose thick atmosphere hid its surface from the camera.
Source: NASA Science — Voyager 1
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings period forecast — Accessed November 11, 2026, at 4:58 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Hastings hourly forecast — Accessed November 11, 2026, at 4:58 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Active alerts for Hastings — Accessed November 11, 2026, at 4:58 p.m. CT.
History sources
MNopedia — Mille Lacs Indian Trading Post — Accessed November 11, 2026, at 4:58 p.m. CT.
National Park Service — Ellis Island Chronology — Accessed November 11, 2026, at 4:58 p.m. CT.
NASA Science — Voyager 1 — Accessed November 11, 2026, at 4:58 p.m. CT.
Weather can change quickly, especially with summer storms, so readers should check official alerts and radar before heading out.
If you’re heading to the riverfront, take your walk in the early afternoon while it’s still near 40°F.
