Kentucky Derby Day Weather Forecast is Here, What You Can Expect

Posted: May 1, 2021 8:02 am

14,417

Chill Will Give Way to Moderate Temperatures and Sunny Skies for Derby Day

After a chilly start, Derby Day is shaping up to be a gorgeous day. Here is what you need to know about the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, including the weather forecast for this popular event.

Derby Details: The Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 1. Post time for the race is 6:57 pm ET. As is tradition, the race will be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, distinguished as the world’s most iconic racetrack. The race has happened at Churchill Downs ever since 1875, a true testament to the storied history of this famed event.

Windy Friday Gives Way to Pleasant Temperatures

The wind that the region experienced on Friday will begin to diminish in the overnight hours, giving way to generally calm conditions heading into Derby Day. While temperatures will be in the high 30s and low 40s to start the day, the air will quickly warm up. The coating of morning frost will quickly melt as the sun comes out. However, it is a good idea to dress warmly if you are headed out to Churchill Downs for the early morning events.

Saturday’s high temperatures should be in the mid-70s. Skies will be mostly sunny, delivering a glorious day to all of those who plan to come out to the racetrack. Although there will be a slight breeze, it will not be anything compared to the winds that the city saw on Friday.

Clouds to Move in Saturday Evening

The mostly sunny skies will give way to high clouds as the evening approaches. The good news is that this cloud cover will keep temperatures from dropping too low in the overnight hours. Saturday night lows will be in the 50s with the help of warm southerly winds.

What is Up for Sunday

If you are in town for the weekend, Sunday will bring the chance of another relatively pleasant day. Clouds will increase throughout the day, however, there will be a slight chance of a passing shower. Temperatures will begin to climb into the low 80s as the day progresses. Winds may gust up to 25 mph in the afternoon hours.

The bottom line is that you cannot ask for better weather for a Derby Day. After last year’s muted festivities with no spectators allowed, revelers will be sure to make the most of the time back at Churchill Downs.

Recent Posts