145th Kentucky Derby: Showers to create sloppy conditions for Saturday's 'Run for the Roses'

Wet weather will be a factor at Churchill Downs on Saturday as more than 150,000 people gather to watch the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby.

While Saturday started on a dry note in Louisville, showers are expected to ramp up by the time jockeys and their horses vie for the "Run for the Roses."

"When there are some showers moving through on Saturday afternoon, there will be the threat for a heavy downpour and perhaps even a brief thunderstorm," according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Thompson.

"With some showers and a threat of downpours, it still looks more likely than not that the track will be sloppy for the Kentucky Derby," he added. "If an approaching downpour threatens to turn the track sloppy, the main track will likely be sealed (or packed down some) to help the water drain better and have less soak into the track."

AccuWeather reporter Jonathan Petramala is reporting from Churchill Downs and already observed wet conditions on Friday with several spectators wearing ponchos as they headed into the racetrack.

With a sloppy and muddy track expected for the third consecutive year at Churchill Downs, that would be the first time that's occurred since the 1940s.

Last year marked the wettest Derby Day on record as 3.15 inches of rain fell, which made for messy track conditions. Much lesser rain amounts are expected this year.

Mudders, or horses that run well in wet or muddy conditions, could be favored if the track conditions are classified as "sloppy" for the race.

While drenching rain is likely to fall into the afternoon on Saturday, there is still a chance the rain will stop by race time for the Kentucky Derby, at 6:50 p.m. EDT.

"Even if the rain quits a short time before the start of the race, despite the fact that the track drains well, conditions are likely to be sloppy for this year's Derby," Thompson said.

If a thunderstorm rumbles through Louisville, it would likely be before the main race in the evening. There may be delays to another race earlier in the day, and spectators may have to seek shelter for a time.

"High temperatures will be near 70 F on Saturday, but clouds and damp conditions will make it feel slightly cooler," AccuWeather Meteorologist Maura Kelly said.

Temperatures should dip into the middle 60s F for the evening race.

Download the free AccuWeather app to stay up to date on the latest Derby Day forecast and track the rain minute by minute using exclusive MinuteCast&reg. Keep checking back for updates on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.

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