The countdown to the2026 Kentucky Derbyis 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 theWeather Channelpredicts 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 theKentucky 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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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.
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St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities celebrates as they cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Bed Races held at Broadbent Arena Monday evening, April 27, 2026.
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Flowers in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, a week before the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, on April 24, 2026.
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John King and his daughter, Ghauni, 4, watch as the first hot air balloons lift at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Balloon Glow Thursday night at Waterfront Park on April 23, 2026.
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Levi Shank, left, and Amanda Regier run in costume following the start of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and mini Marathon on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Louisville Kentucky.
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The Japanese team of Wonder Dean celebrated their horse's No. 10 post position after the 2026 Kentucky Derby Draw at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25, 2026.
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2026 Kentucky Derby horse Fulleffort, trained by Brad Cox, was ridden by Edvin Vargas during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Fulleffort has seven career races with three wins, two second-place finishes and one third-place finish.
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2026 Kentucky Derby horse Silent Tactic during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Silent Tactic is trained by Mark Casse.
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The Shady Rays balloon lifts off as hot air balloons take flight at Bowman Field for the KDF Great BalloonFest Rush Hour Race in Louisville on April 24, 2026.
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People gathered around to see the Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses arrive at the main gap during morning training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 28, 2026.
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A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
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The trophy given to the winner of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25.
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2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Todd Pletcher on the backside watching his horses work out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on April 27, 2028. Pletcher has 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Renegade.
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2026 Kentucky Derby horse and favorite Renegade getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.
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A crowd gathers on the backside at sunrise during Dawn at the Downs at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
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Veteran jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner Mike Smith, who will pilot 2026 Kentucky Derby hopeful So Happy, on April 24, 2026.
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A unicylcist waves to the crowd during the 2026 Pegasus Parade on Broadway Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
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A crowd gathers to watch as 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Six Speed walks in circles before the special training time for Derby and Oaks horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 24, 2026. The horse is trained by Bhupat Seamer.
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Check 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 toThe Weather Channelas 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.
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Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
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Time: 2:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET
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TV: NBC, USA Network
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Stream: Peacock
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Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 Kentucky Derby weather: Forecast looks promising for race day