Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Original photo by Ashley Media
Thursday looks warm and unsettled in Hastings, with morning thunderstorms possible before temperatures climb into the upper 80s. Another round could develop later, so evening plans deserve a weather check.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Low: Near 88°F Thursday / around 67°F Thursday night
Precipitation: 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 7 and 11 a.m.; 30% chance Thursday night, mainly between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Heat index: As high as 95°F
Wind: Light east-southeast wind becoming southeast 5–10 mph
Severe-weather outlook: Severe storms are possible late Thursday afternoon and evening, with damaging wind and large hail the main hazards if storms develop.
Thursday morning carries the clearest rain signal. The Hastings point forecast puts the best shower and thunderstorm chance between about 7 and 11 a.m., while the Twin Cities forecast discussion says confidence is still limited on how widespread the rain will be or how long it may linger.
If clouds thin enough, Thursday afternoon could turn mostly sunny and quite warm, with a high near 88°F and a heat index as high as 95°F. The amount of afternoon sunshine will help determine whether storms can strengthen again later.
For evening plans, keep some flexibility. The NWS Hazardous Weather Outlook — an outlook, not a warning or watch — says storms may return late Thursday afternoon or evening, with damaging wind and large hail possible in stronger storms. The point forecast also carries a 30% chance Thursday night, mainly between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
What to wear or plan
Dress for a warm afternoon and keep water handy.
Keep a rain layer handy for the morning.
Check radar again before late-afternoon or evening plans around Downtown Hastings, Levee Park or the riverfront.
Give outdoor plans a backup option because storm timing is still uncertain.
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
Weather Joke of the Day
How do you know September just started in Hastings? The calendar says fall is coming, while Thursday says, “Here’s 88°, a heat index near 95, and a thunderstorm for punctuation.”
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1964 — The Boundary Waters Joins America’s Wilderness System
On September 3, 1964, the Wilderness Act brought the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northeastern Minnesota into the National Wilderness Preservation System. Minnesota’s rules still point to that date when describing how the BWCA should be managed to protect its primitive wilderness character — a lasting link between one national conservation law and one of Minnesota’s most treasured landscapes.
Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes — Chapter 6140, Boundary Waters Canoe Area
1783 — The Treaty of Paris Ends the American Revolution
On September 3, 1783, representatives of the United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the American Revolution and recognizing the United States as an independent nation. The National Archives notes that American negotiators John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and John Jay also secured boundaries that helped define the new country’s future.
Source: National Archives — Treaty of Paris (1783)
1976 — Viking 2 Touches Down on Mars
On September 3, 1976, NASA’s Viking 2 lander touched down safely at Utopia Planitia on Mars, about 4,000 miles from Viking 1. Viking 2 carried instruments to study Martian soil, weather and possible signs of life; together, the Viking landers returned thousands of photographs that helped establish a foundation for the Mars exploration that followed.
Source: NASA Science — Viking 2
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings, MN 7-Day Forecast — Accessed September 2, 2026, at 6:23 PM CT.
National Weather Service Twin Cities — Hazardous Weather Outlook — Accessed September 2, 2026, at 6:23 PM CT.
National Weather Service Twin Cities — Area Forecast Discussion — Accessed September 2, 2026, at 6:23 PM CT.
History sources
Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes — Chapter 6140, Boundary Waters Canoe Area — Accessed September 2, 2026, at 6:23 PM CT.
National Archives — Treaty of Paris (1783) — Accessed September 2, 2026, at 6:23 PM CT.
NASA Science — Viking 2 — Accessed September 2, 2026, at 6:23 PM CT.
Weather can change quickly, especially with summer storms, so readers should check official alerts and radar before heading out.
Check the radar before heading out for Thursday evening plans.
