An original HastingsNow.com photo of the Hastings Bridge anchors this AI-assisted illustration of three November 5th moments. The historical scenes are artistic interpretations.
Thursday brings sweater-and-jacket weather to Hastings, with cloudy skies and a high near 48°F. A north-northwest breeze will keep riverfront walks brisk, and temperatures head toward freezing Thursday night.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Low: Near 48°F today; around 31°F Thursday night.
Sky: Cloudy during the day, mostly cloudy overnight.
Wind: North-northwest at 10–15 mph.
Precipitation: Low chances, with the greatest chance early in the morning.
The morning starts cool and cloudy, with temperatures generally in the 40s. Hourly guidance places the day’s small precipitation chances early, then lowers them toward midday. A hooded jacket is a practical choice for the school run or a walk between downtown stops.
The afternoon stays cloudy. The National Weather Service forecasts a high near 48°F, with temperatures easing toward 45°F later in the day. This looks more comfortable for a short walk or a few outdoor chores than an extended afternoon sitting by the river.
Thursday night remains mostly cloudy, with a low around 31°F and lighter north winds. Anyone heading out for evening plans will want a warmer layer than the afternoon temperature might suggest.
No active NWS warnings, watches or advisories applied to the Hastings forecast point when checked Wednesday evening.
What to wear or plan
A sweater beneath a wind-resistant jacket should suit daytime errands.
A hat or light gloves may make longer riverfront walks more comfortable.
Afternoon offers lower precipitation chances for outdoor chores.
A warmer coat will be useful for plans that continue into the evening.
Weather Joke of the Day
I invited my light jacket for a walk through Levee Park. It asked if it could bring a sweater.
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1916 — A Gathering Place Opens for Minnesota’s Deaf Community
On November 5, 1916, Charles Thompson Memorial Hall opened in St. Paul as the nation’s first social club designed exclusively for deaf people. Margaret Brooks Thompson commissioned deaf architect Olof Hanson to create the space in memory of her husband. Large windows and generous lighting helped people see signed conversations clearly—a thoughtful design built around connection.
Source: Minnesota Historical Society, MNopedia — Charles Thompson Memorial Hall, St. Paul
1844 — A Surprise Nominee Wins the Presidency
On November 5, 1844, James K. Polk defeated Henry Clay in the presidential election, becoming the nation’s eleventh president. Polk had emerged as a surprise Democratic nominee after nine convention ballots. News of his nomination traveled by the newly developed Morse telegraph, giving this nineteenth-century campaign a glimpse of a much faster communications future.
Source: Library of Congress — Today in History: November 5
1895 — An Automobile Patent Starts a Long Argument
On November 5, 1895, George Selden received his road-engine patent, covering an early concept for a gasoline-powered vehicle. He had conceived the idea years earlier without building the automobile. The patent became the subject of a lengthy legal battle led by Henry Ford, and its broad claims were sharply restricted in 1911.
Source: The Henry Ford — Selden Road-Engine Specifications, November 5, 1895
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings Period Forecast — Accessed November 4, 2026, at 5:04 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Hastings Hourly Forecast — Accessed November 4, 2026, at 5:04 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Active Alerts for Hastings — Accessed November 4, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. CT.
History sources
Minnesota Historical Society, MNopedia — Charles Thompson Memorial Hall, St. Paul — Accessed November 4, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. CT.
Library of Congress — Today in History: November 5 — Accessed November 4, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. CT.
The Henry Ford — Selden Road-Engine Specifications, November 5, 1895 — Accessed November 4, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. CT.
Weather can change quickly, especially with summer storms, so readers should check official alerts and radar before heading out.
Bring an extra layer for your Thursday evening plans around Hastings.
