Derby 150 is near. What weather forecasters say ahead of 2024 Kentucky Derby, Oaks
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is days 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 Derby weekend as of Tuesday, April 30. It's best to be prepared and bring a rain poncho or jacket.
150 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 April 30, Louisville's NWS predicts possible showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m. with a chance of showers until 2 p.m. Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 2 p.m. with partly sunny skies and temperatures reaching a high of 81. Chance of precipitation is 40%, according to the seven-day forecast.
On Saturday night, skies will be partly cloudy with a low near 61. There's a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
What is the 2024 Kentucky Oaks weather forecast for Friday, May 3?
The NWS forecasts a 70% chance of precipitation with likely showers and a possible thunderstorm after 2 p.m. It'll be mostly cloudy with a high near 79.
On Friday night, showers are likely with a possible thunderstorm before 2 a.m., with a chance of showers and storms after. The chance of precipitation is 60% with a low near 61.
Kentucky Derby Weekend 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 86 and south winds of 6-8 mph. There's a 20% chance of showers on Thursday night after 2 a.m. with a low near 64, according to the NWS.
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, Thurby, Kentucky Oaks Weather
