Hastings, MN Weather + On This Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
An original HastingsNow.com photo of the Hastings Bridge anchors this AI-assisted illustration of three October 21st moments. The historical scenes are artistic interpretations.
October is giving Hastings another little taste of summer on Wednesday, with sunshine and a high near 70°F after a chilly, briefly foggy morning. It's a beautiful opportunity to enjoy the changing leaves, fresh air and a little extra time outdoors before colder days return.
Today's Weather in Hastings
At a glance
High / Wednesday-night low: Near 70°F / around 47°F.
Sky: Patchy fog before 7 a.m., then sunny.
Rain: No precipitation forecast for Wednesday.
Wind: Calm, becoming south-southwest around 5 mph.
Wednesday starts on a cool note, with temperatures following a Tuesday-night low around 46°F. Patchy fog is possible before 7 a.m., but the National Weather Service expects sunshine afterward. Early risers may appreciate an extra layer, especially on the way to school or work.
By late morning, the chill should give way to a remarkably pleasant October day. Temperatures climb toward 70°F under sunny skies, with only a light south-southwest breeze. It's excellent weather for an afternoon stroll through downtown Hastings, catching the fall colors or enjoying a break along the Mississippi River.
Wednesday evening begins with more clouds before skies turn mostly clear overnight. Temperatures gradually settle toward 47°F by Thursday morning, with calm winds. Anyone enjoying the mild afternoon outdoors may want a jacket handy once the sun goes down.
What to wear or plan
Morning: Start with a sweatshirt or light jacket; early fog may affect visibility.
Afternoon: Comfortable layers and sunglasses should work well with the sunshine.
Outdoor plans: The mild weather offers a good opportunity for fall cleanup, a walk or some time at Levee Park.
Evening: Bring an extra layer as temperatures cool after sunset.
Weather Joke of the Day
Why did the pumpkin in downtown Hastings return its sweater? With 70 degrees in the forecast, it said, "I'm a jack-o'-lantern, not a sweat-o'-lantern!"
Weather + On This Date by HastingsNow.com
On This Date: A Little Time Capsule
1945 — French Women Make History at the Ballot Box
On October 21, 1945, French women voted in a national election for the first time, helping choose a Constituent Assembly following World War II. Women had already participated in municipal elections that April, but this vote marked their entrance into France's national electoral process, with 33 women winning seats in the assembly. It was an important milestone for political representation and a reminder that democratic rights have expanded through generations of determined effort.
Source: French National Assembly — Women Deputies in the National Assembly, October 21, 1945
1959 — A Museum That Looks Like a Work of Art Opens
On October 21, 1959, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum opened to the public in New York City, welcoming visitors into Frank Lloyd Wright's extraordinary spiral-shaped building. Instead of conventional stacked galleries, its sweeping curves and winding ramp invited people to experience art in an entirely different way. The museum became one of America's most recognizable architectural landmarks, demonstrating that a building itself can be part of the artistic experience.
Source: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum — History
2023 — Minnesota Opens a New Window Into Native American History
On October 21, 2023, the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul opened Reframing Our Stories, an exhibition developed with Native community members to revisit decades of photographs taken by Twin Cities journalists. New interpretations centered Native voices, self-determination, community and resilience rather than allowing the images to be defined solely by outsiders. The opening offered a powerful Minnesota reminder: preserving history matters, but who gets to tell it matters just as much.
How we know
Weather sources
National Weather Service — Hastings, Minnesota Point Forecast — Accessed October 20, 2026, at approximately 5:19 p.m. CT.
National Weather Service — Twin Cities Hazardous Weather Outlook — Accessed October 20, 2026, at approximately 5:19 p.m. CT.
History sources
French National Assembly — Women Deputies in the National Assembly, October 21, 1945 — Accessed October 20, 2026, at approximately 5:19 p.m. CT.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum — History — Accessed October 20, 2026, at approximately 5:19 p.m. CT.
Minnesota Historical Society — Powerful New Photo Exhibit Spotlights Native American Resilience and Strength — Accessed October 20, 2026, at approximately 5:19 p.m. CT.
Minnesota Historical Society — FY2024 Annual Report — Accessed October 20, 2026, at approximately 5:19 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.
