Weather Tomorrow: Churchill Downs Forecast Calls For 59 Degrees

Weather tomorrow at Churchill Downs calls for a high of 59 degrees, with a 20-percent chance of rain early in the day. The 152nd Kentucky Derby is set for a dry, fast racetrack this afternoon, a forecast that points to one of the coldest race days since 1989.

Churchill Downs Forecast

WLKY said Saturday will be among the coldest Derby days since 1989, when the thermometer dropped to below 40 degrees and sleet fell during the Kentucky Derby. That makes the forecast stand out for racegoers, who usually see the first Saturday in May tied to warmer weather at Churchill Downs.

The weather also follows a cooler Friday night at the track. The Kentucky Oaks drew 103,290 people, and the official chart listed the temperature at 60 degrees at the 8:40 pm ET post time.

Kentucky Derby Rain Chance

Rain has fallen on Louisville on the first Saturday in May 13 times since 2000, but Saturday’s forecast keeps the early-day rain chance limited to 20 percent. The outlook points to a dry surface later in the afternoon, which is the main concern for anyone tracking track conditions at the 152nd Kentucky Derby.

Cold weather can be more comfortable for horses than warm weather, while hot weather can increase stress and cause horses to become washy before the race. This forecast sits closer to the colder end of Derby Day conditions, and the key number for fans at Churchill Downs is the 59-degree high.