Kentucky Derby weather: Forecast shows promising conditions at Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby weather: Forecast shows promising conditions at Churchill Downs
Elizabeth Flores, USA TODAYWed, April 29, 2026 at 11:51 AM UTC
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Kentucky Derby weather: Forecast shows promising conditions at Churchill Downs
The countdown to the 2026 Kentucky Derby is down to just three days, as twenty of the world’s top thoroughbreds prepare to compete for the garland of roses. Despite stormy conditions in the days leading up to the 152nd edition of the Run for the Roses, current forecasts suggest race day itself may remain dry, offering ideal conditions for both horses and spectators.
Thunderstorms in Wednesday's forecast created muddy conditions at Churchill Downs' legendary one-mile dirt track, but the Weather Channel predicts conditions will clear up.
Thursday, April 30, is expected to bring plenty of sunshine, helping to dry out the track ahead of the horse-racing festivities. Friday will start out cloudy, but is projected to see the sun break through by the afternoon, allowing final preparations to take place under improved conditions.
On Saturday, May 2 – the day of the Kentucky Derby – temperatures are forecast to be cooler, with a high near 60 degrees. The morning should feature a mix of clouds and sun, while the afternoon may turn overcast. Although it may be on the chilly side, no rain is expected for the main event, predicting that the Run for the Roses will proceed without weather-related issues.
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1 / 0Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
2026 Kentucky Derby weather forecast
The weather forecast according to The Weather Channel as of April 29:
Friday, May 1:
The weather is expected to be cloudy initially, with skies clearing to partly cloudy later. Temperatures will reach a high of 61F and a low of 41F.
Saturday, May 2:
The weather forecast predicts periods of clouds and sunshine in the morning, with cloudy conditions persisting throughout the day. Temperatures will peak at 60°F and drop to a low of 38°F.
When is 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Fans can watch the Kentucky Derby on NBC and USA Network, with streaming options on Peacock.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC, USA Network
Stream: Peacock
Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 Kentucky Derby weather: Forecast looks promising for race day
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