Rain looks more likely for Kentucky Derby 151. See the latest weather forecast
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Kentucky Derby 151 preview
Click below to view more coverage from the Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com previewing the 151st Kentucky Derby to be held May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
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Showers and thunderstorms are increasingly likely on Saturday for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, the latest forecasts from the National Weather Service show.
Whether you’re soaking up the spectacle in Louisville or watching the action unfold from Lexington, it could be worth it to pack along some rain gear, such as a clear poncho for Churchill Downs goers, as the racetrack does not allow umbrellas for the event.
Earlier this week, National Weather Service meteorologist Samantha Wilson explained how a cold front is settling over the Ohio River, acting as an “anchoring agent” for showers and thunderstorms in the region.
“We’ll see showers and thunderstorms through the week, but it won’t be continuous. It’ll be on and off,” Wilson, with the NWS Louisville office, told the Herald-Leader in a Tuesday call.
The post time for the 151st Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. EDT Saturday, May 3.
That said, and forecasts are subject to change, especially given Kentucky’s famously fickle weather. In the last decade, Derby Day has tended to be drier with little to no rainfall, according to a running history maintained by the NWS.
Be sure to stay weather aware and check back for updates. Here’s what to expect from the week ahead and on Derby Day itself, whether you’re enjoying the annual spectacle in Louisville or Lexington.
Kentucky Derby weather: What to expect in Louisville
Here’s a look at the latest forecast for Louisville as of Thursday, May 1:
Friday: There’s a small 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, but overall conditions will be partly sunny and warm with a temperature high of about 83 degrees.
Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms become more likely in the evening with the chance of rain at 70%. New rainfall amounts could range between a quarter to half an inch. Skies will be cloudy with a low of about 59 degrees.
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms could return again after 11 a.m., with the chance of rain at 90%. Expect new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch. It won’t be too warm either with the high at or about 66 degrees.
Saturday night: Showers and a thunderstorm are possible before 11 p.m., with the overall chance of precipitation at 80%. The low will be about 53 degrees.
Kentucky Derby weather: What to expect in Lexington
Here’s what to expect from the weather this week in Lexington, according to the latest NWS forecast from Thursday, May 1.
Friday: Expect showers and thunderstorms in the late afternoon, with the overall chance of precipitation at 60%. Conditions will be mostly sunny throughout the day with a temperature high of about 81 degrees.
Friday night: Showers and thunderstorms are also likely in the first half of the evening, with the precipitation chance at 60%. Skies will be mostly cloudy and the temperature low at or about 59 degrees.
Saturday: There’s a chance of showers and thunderstorms throughout the morning, with the overall chance for precipitation at 100%. The high will be about 67 degrees.
Saturday night: Showers are likely and a thunderstorm is possible before 8 p.m. and into the first half of the evening. The chance of precipitation is at 60% with mostly cloudy conditions and a temperature low of about 53 degrees.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that umbrellas are not allowed at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby or the week leading up to it.
Do you have a question about weather or the environment for our service journalism team? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 1:59 PM.
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