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The 2024 Kentucky Derby is tomorrow. Is rain in Louisville weather forecast for Derby 150?

marina johnson and chris sims, louisville courier journal
·3 min read

The 2024 Kentucky Derby is almost here, and there's nothing better than sunshine and warm weather to get in the 150th Derby spirit.

Whether you'll be at Churchill Downs on race day or local Louisville area events, keeping the forecast in mind and dressing appropriately is a must to ensure a fun time.

Here's what meteorologists at the National Weather Service of Louisville are predicting ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby as of Friday, May 3.

2024 Kentucky Derby When is the Kentucky Derby? Everything to know ahead of the Run for the Roses in 2024

When is the Kentucky Derby 2024?

The Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 4, 2024.

What is the 2024 Kentucky Derby post time? When does it start?

Times for 2024 are not available. In 2023, post time was 6:57 p.m. National television coverage ran from 2:30-7:30 p.m.

What is the 2024 Kentucky Derby weather forecast for Saturday, May 4?

As of May 3, Louisville's NWS predicts daily rain and storm chances will continue this weekend into next week, according to the seven-day forecast.

NWS suggests a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Saturday. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a high temperature near 79 degrees. Expect a southeast wind of 5 to 8 mph changing to southwest in the afternoon.

Kentucky Derby field 2024: Which horses are in and on bubble for May 4 at Churchill Downs?

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:

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 2024 Kentucky Derby: Will weather bring rain May 4? What time is race?