Will it rain during the 2024 Kentucky Derby? Weather forecast ahead of May 4
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is less than a week away. Will the local weather cooperate on race day and the surrounding events?
Currently, the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service of Louisville shows possible rain for race day as of Monday, April 29. It's best to be prepared and bring a rain poncho or jacket.
When is the Kentucky Derby? Everything to know ahead of the Run for the Roses in 2024
Here's what you need to know:
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 April 29, Louisville's NWS predicts a 40% chance of showers on Saturday. It'll be mostly sunny with a high near 78. Saturday evening will be partly cloudy with a low near 56 and a 30% chance of showers, according to the seven-day forecast.
On Friday evening, showers are likely before 3 a.m. with a possible thunderstorm. The chance of precipitation is 70% with possible showers after 3 a.m.
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: When is the race? What is the weather forecast?
