Weather outlook improves for Derby afternoon, but rain still expected early and late

Weather Service sees window for dry Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby’s weather forecast has improved, despite a still-gloomy outlook before and after the race.

Joe Ammerman of the National Weather Service says Louisville is expected to get several inches of rain this weekend. However, he says the storm should largely spare Churchill Downs Saturday afternoon ahead of the 6:24 p.m. post. Most of the accumulation is expected midmorning Saturday and late Saturday night into early Sunday.

Track security officials say they have a plan to move people from the infield and tunnels if there is an emergency such as a tornado warning.

If bad weather causes a delay, the race could potentially be run at night for the first time. The track installed permanent lights over the winter.