Kentucky Derby weather updates: Will cold in forecast impact Churchill Downs track conditions?

Kentucky Derby weather updates: Will cold in forecast impact Churchill Downs track conditions? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Great White may be a horse on the racetrack, but with the low temperatures expected at this year's Kentucky Derby, the forecast may look like the Great White North.

The low temperature in Churchill Downs on Saturday has dipped into the 30s in some cases, but it won't be quite that cold at the start of the festivities. With 151 Kentucky Derbies in the rearview mirror, there are certainly some historic highs and lows compared to this year's event.

With last year's race featuring a sloppy track due to rain, the conditions for the race were significantly impacted. For years prior to this, however, the race was run on a dry track. This year is projected to be much of the same for horses and jockeys alike.

With fans preparing their outfits and fancy hats ahead of this year's race, here is what to know about how to layer and keep yourself warm.

MORE: A complete guide to Kentucky Derby hats, fashion

Kentucky Derby weather updates

Friday, May 1

As of Friday, Saturday's weather is set to start cold, with the sun and heat creeping into Louisville in the afternoon. The high is 57 degrees with the low set at 39 per AccuWeather.

Expect overcast skies in the morning, but once the afternoon begins, it will be mostly sunny. With the disappearance of the clouds comes extra wind. Expect gusts up to 23 mph in the evening.

Kentucky Derby weather forecast

As of Thursday, the Saturday forecast in Louisville is looking cold during the evening of this year's Kentucky Derby. While the afternoon will feature a high of 60 degrees according to the National Weather Service with mostly sunny skies, expect temperatures to drop as low as 39 degrees at night.

With the main event scheduled to begin at 6:57 p.m. ET, AccuWeather has a projected temperature of 54 degrees when the race kicks off.

While attendees may be disappointed by these cold temperatures, they can rest assured about any rain. The forecast has a chance for precipitation at 0%. So a jacket could be helpful, but no need for it to be waterproof.

Colder weather can also impact the racetrack at times, making it harder and more uneven, and posing a greater injury risk to horses, per the New York State Gaming Commission.

The coldest temperature ever recorded at the Derby was 36 degrees in 1940 and 1957, respectively, with the coldest high temperature being 47 degrees in 1935 and 1957, respectively.

In 2026, the Kentucky Derby could see some record-setting cold temperatures. But if history is to repeat itself, it's worth noting that two years after the frigid 1957 Derby, a record high of 94 was set.

MORE: History, recipes, more for Kentucky Derby mint juleps