3:15 P.M.

Radar indications are now projecting the heaviest period of rain at Churchill Downs should be between 3:45 and 6 P.M.  Rain should lighten, perhaps even end, by Race Time.  Either way, it looks like the track condition will be either sloppy or muddy.

Horse race reminder:

No one ever bets enough on a winning horse.

Sat. May 4, 2019

Another rainy one!

Although it won’t be as bad as last year, we’ll still have our second wet Derby in a row.  After giving us a little hope yesterday, the models have settled back into a slower developing southern system.  That keeps us wet most of the afternoon into the evening.

Here’s how it shapes up:  cloudy this morning followed by periods of light rain most of the afternoon.  Then, the worst part of the forecast.  Expect a period of heavier rain (perhaps even some thunder/lightning) between roughly 5 to 7 P.M.  After the Derby, rain tapers off during the evening.  Temperatures remain in the 60’s all day.

In spite of the weather, I hope you have a Derby winner!

Friday, May 3, 2019

Models backing off from earlier trends.

After giving a promise of rain fading away by early afternoon with models runs from earlier today, tonight”s NAM family has taken most of the hope away.

Forecast now holds rain (mostly light) in Louisville throughout most of the afternoon.  Earliest end to rain now looks like 5 P.M. with a 40% chance it’ll still be raining lightly by Derby time.  Two years in a row!

Friday, May 3, 2019

Latest data shows heavy rains heading south of us

After several days of increasingly gloomy forecasts for Derby Day weather, this morning’s product suite shows a definite trend toward better weather for tomorrow.

Models are now shifting the storm path to a more southerly route.  That means less rain locally and a quicker departure during the early afternoon.  Good news on both fronts.

Assuming this model shift is real, here’s my latest Derby Day forecast:  Light rain during the morning fading away to out southeast by early afternoon.  Some sunshine could show up by late afternoon.  Temperatures will be in the low 60’s during the rain but warm into the low 70’s by late afternoon.  Derby time:  mostly cloudy with a temperature near 72.  Track should be “good.”

Of course, remembering what happened last Derby Day, the above may not be the “last word”.   But the most recent trends are looking much better.

Now, the horses!?   Next question, please.

As a rule                                                                                                                                                             Horses are cruel                                                                                                                                              You bet their number                                                                                                                                       They barely lumber.