UPDATE : Overcast sky minutes before race
The long-anticipated 2024 Kentucky Derby is here! Whether you'll be at the Churchill Downs racetrack or one of many local Louisville area events , keeping the forecast in mind and dressing appropriately is key to staying in the 150 Derby spirit.
Here's what meteorologists at the National Weather Service of Louisville are predicting ahead of the big race as of Saturday morning.
More: LIVE UPDATES: Gates now open at Churchill Downs ahead of Kentucky Derby 2024
The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 4, 2024.
The official Kentucky Derby post time is 6:57 p.m. ET. The long-awaited 150th Run for the Roses will be race No. 12 of the 14-race slate.
Just hours ahead of the race, the National Weather Service in Louisville predicts Louisville has a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Otherwise, skies will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 80 degrees. Calm wind becoming southwest 3 to 7 mph in the afternoon, according to the seven-day forecast.
Saturday night has a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 11 p.m. The area is expected to be partly cloudy, with a low around 64 degrees and a southwest wind around 6 mph.
May 4 Kentucky Derby Kentucky Derby field 2024: Which horses are in and on bubble for May 4 at Churchill Downs?
Can I bring an umbrella to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby?
No.
Umbrellas of any size (yes, even purse-size umbrellas) are not permitted at the racetrack.
However, dry-cleaning bags or ponchos are allowed at Churchill Downs to protect your outfit from the rain.
More: Can I bring an umbrella to Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby, Oaks Day? What to know
Kentucky Derby weather history
Here are some historical weather facts for the Kentucky Derby provided by the NWS in Louisville .
- Coldest temperature: 36 degrees; May 4, 1940, and May 4, 1957.
- Coldest high temperature: 47 degrees; May 4, 1935, and May 4, 1957.
- Coldest average daily temperature: 42 degrees; May 4, 1957 − the cold temperatures on May 4, 1957 were accompanied by 20 to 25 mph north winds
- Warmest temperature: 94 degrees; May 2, 1959.
- Warmest low temperature: 72 degrees; May 14, 1886.
- Warmest average daily temperature: 79 degrees; May 14, 1886.
- Wettest: 3.15 inches of rain; May 5, 2018.
- Frozen precipitation: Sleet was observed from 1:01 to 1:05 p.m. May 6, 1989.
- Kentucky Derby days with rain: 71 out of 149 − or 48 percent − have experienced rain at some point during the day.
- Longest stretch of consecutive wet Derby Days (24 hours): 7; 2007-2013.
- Longest stretch of consecutive wet Derby Days (1 to 7 p.m.): 6; 1989-1994.
- Longest stretch of consecutive dry Derby Days (24 hours): 8; 1937-1944.
- Longest stretch of consecutive dry Derby Days (1 to 7 p.m.): 12; 1875-1886.
NOTE: The above records, unless otherwise noted, are for the entire calendar day — not necessarily race time. Also, the data were taken at the official observation site for the city of Louisville, not at Churchill Downs itself.
Kentucky Derby 2024 horses
The field is still being determined and The Courier Journal offers a list of horses projected to make the starting lineup for the 2024 Kentucky Derby . Here's a look:
2024 Kentucky Derby When is the Kentucky Derby? Everything to know ahead of the Run for the Roses in 2024
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: The 150th Kentucky Derby is here. What will the weather be like for Kentucky Derby 2024?
Most Popular
Comments / 0