Kentucky Derby Weather Forecast: Chilly, But Odds In Favor Of A Fast Track

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The Kentucky Derby is Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and as a meteorologist who spent several years working in the "Derby City," the weather can be all over the place this time of year.

The derby is always held the first Saturday in May, meaning the actual calendar dates change every year and so can the weather.

The National Weather Service in Louisville has kept records of the weather that occurred on every Oaks and Derby Day since the 1800s.

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Kentucky Oaks

The Kentucky Oaks is always held the Friday before the derby. This race showcases the young female horses (3-year-old fillies).

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We can't rule out light showers Friday morning, but the forecast trends drier later in the day. So the odds are in favor of a fast track for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Oaks with a post time of 8:40 p.m. ET. Unlike last year when highs hit 80 degrees, this year will be much cooler with highs only around 60 degrees, meaning most of the day will be spent in the 50s.

The average high and low temperatures in Louisville on May 1-2 are 74 and 54 degrees, respectively.