Updated Derby Day weather: Will it rain Saturday in Louisville?

Packing a poncho for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby may be your best fashion choice.

National Weather Service meteorologist Kyle Wilkins said Tuesday afternoon it looks like rain is “highly likely or becoming more likely” on Derby Day May 4.

Beginning Tuesday night, it will likely rain each day in Louisville this week, Wilkins said. Louisville could have up to 1.5 inches of rain throughout the week, including Derby Day, he added.

While it’s trending toward a rainy Derby Day, there is still some hope it’s dry when the race begins.

“With the tail end of the system being Saturday night, if it moves quicker, it would be a more positive day,” Wilkins said.

WKYT Chief Meteorologist Chris Bailey said Monday afternoon to expect some “general run-of-the-mill showers and a possibility of a couple thunderstorms” on Derby Day. Tuesday, Bailey said there are no changes to his forecast.

Bailey said it would be hard to surpass the record 3.15 inches that fell on race day last year, however.

“We go through this every year it seems, but maybe have that Plan B for what your outfit should be or be picking out some nice, clear ponchos,” Bailey added.

Umbrellas are not allowed at Churchill Downs.

Temperatures are projected to fall in line with averages for early May. Wilkins said there will likely be highs Saturday around 71 degrees.

It has rained on Derby Day three straight years, including 2018’s record total, according to weather service data. Except for years with just trace amounts of rain, it has not rained on four straight Derby Days since 1991-1994.

The coldest Kentucky Derby temperature was 36 degrees set in 1940 and 1957, while the warmest was the 94-degree day in 1959.

This story was originally published April 29, 2019 at 5:29 PM with the headline "Updated Derby Day weather: Will it rain Saturday in Louisville?."