Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Original photo by Ashley Media
Wednesday is shaping up to be one of those August days that makes planning around Hastings pretty easy: mostly sunny, comfortably warm and not much wind to complicate outdoor plans.
Today’s Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Low: Around 81°F Wednesday afternoon, then near 59°F overnight
Sky: Mostly sunny during the day, becoming partly cloudy Wednesday night
Precipitation: No meaningful rain chance is shown Wednesday, with hourly values staying around 0–1%
Wind: Calm early, becoming northwest around 5 mph during the afternoon
Wednesday morning starts refreshingly cool, with temperatures in the mid-50s around the early commute before climbing into the 60s and reaching about 70°F by late morning. Winds should be very light, and sunshine should increasingly win out as the morning goes along.
The afternoon looks especially pleasant for errands, outdoor work, a river walk or a little time around Downtown Hastings. Temperatures rise through the upper 70s before reaching a high near 81°F, while a light northwest breeze develops. Humidity also drops through the afternoon, helping the warmth feel fairly comfortable for August.
Wednesday evening remains mild, with temperatures still in the upper 70s around dinner time. Clouds gradually increase overnight, but conditions stay quiet as temperatures fall toward 59°F and the breeze becomes calm.
What to wear or plan
A light layer may feel good during the cooler morning hours.
Sunglasses and sunscreen will be useful during the mostly sunny afternoon.
Wednesday afternoon looks favorable for patios, parks, river walks and other outdoor plans.
Consider another light layer later Wednesday evening as temperatures head toward the upper 50s.
Weather Joke of the Day
What do you call 81°, mostly sunny skies and barely any wind in Hastings? Minnesota weather on its best behavior — please don’t make eye contact or it may change.
AI infographic by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
2007 — Minnesota Sets a Remarkable Rainfall Record
On August 19, 2007, an official National Weather Service cooperative observer near Hokah in southeastern Minnesota measured 15.10 inches of rain in 24 hours. The Minnesota State Climate Extremes Committee verified it as the state’s official 24-hour rainfall record, surpassing the previous 10.84-inch mark recorded at Fort Ripley in 1972.
Source: Minnesota DNR — 24-hour Minnesota Rainfall Record Broken
1812 — USS Constitution Earns Its “Old Ironsides” Legend
On August 19, 1812, USS Constitution defeated the British HMS Guerriere during a roughly 35-minute battle in the War of 1812. The National Archives notes that British cannonballs appeared to bounce off Constitution’s heavy oak hull, helping inspire the nickname “Old Ironsides” and giving Americans an important morale boost early in the war.
Source: National Archives — National Archives Commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial
1839 — Photography Takes a Giant Step Into Everyday Life
On August 19, 1839, Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre’s photographic process was publicly announced in France, opening a new era in image-making. The Library of Congress notes that Americans quickly embraced the daguerreotype for its ability to capture a “truthful likeness,” helping photographic portraiture become an increasingly important part of 19th-century life.
Source: Library of Congress — American Treasures: Tools of the Trade
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings, MN 7-Day Forecast — Accessed August 18, 2026, at 8:10 PM CT.
National Weather Service — Hastings, MN Tabular Forecast — Accessed August 18, 2026, at 8:10 PM CT.
History sources
Minnesota DNR — 24-hour Minnesota Rainfall Record Broken — Accessed August 18, 2026, at 8:10 PM CT.
National Archives — National Archives Commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial — Accessed August 18, 2026, at 8:10 PM CT.
Library of Congress — American Treasures: Tools of the Trade — Accessed August 18, 2026, at 8:10 PM 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.
