See what the forecast says for 2024 Kentucky Derby, Oaks. Will weather be nice for Derby 150 weekend?
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is days away, but will the local weather cooperate on race days? Whether you'll be at Churchill Downs for Derby 150 or local Louisville area events, keeping the forecast in mind and dressing appropriately is a must to ensure a fun time.
Currently, the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service of Louisville shows rain likely for parts of Derby weekend. It's best to be prepared and bring a rain poncho or jacket. Here's what meteorologists predict as of Wednesday, May 1.
More: Kentucky Derby 150 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 post time for the Kentucky Derby? When does it start?
The post time is set for 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 1, Louisville's NWS predicts a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms Saturday with partly sunny skies and a high near 80. There's a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., Saturday night, according to the seven-day forecast. Skies will be cloudy with a low near 62.
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What is the 2024 Kentucky Oaks weather forecast for Friday, May 3?
The NWS predicts a chance of showers before 11 a.m. on Friday and a chance of both showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m. Showers and a possible thunderstorm are expected after 2 p.m. The chance of precipitation is 80% with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. Temperatures will reach a high near 77 with south winds of 6-10 mph.
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An 80% chance of precipitation with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch is possible on Friday night, according to the seven-day forecast. Showers with a possible thunderstorm could occur before 2 a.m. with a chance of showers and storms after 2 a.m. Temperatures will reach a low near 61.
Kentucky Derby, Oaks Weather Rain is in Friday's forecast. What to expect for Kentucky Oaks 2024 at Churchill Downs
What is the 2024 Thurby weather forecast for Thursday, May 2?
Thursday is expected to be sunny with a high near 89 and south winds of 3-8 mph. There's a 20% chance of showers on Thursday night after 2 a.m., according to the seven-day forecast. It'll be mostly cloudy with a low near 65 and south winds around 6 mph.
More: 2024 Kentucky Derby 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 Weather Predictions: Forecast 150 Kentucky Derby, Oaks
