Weather Channel

The scattered thunderstorms that many feared would hold down the annual Kentucky Derby may just hold off long enough to get the race in before the storms hit hard again.

The Weather Channel offers us a view of the time the next rain is supposed to roll into Louisville; note the race is scheduled to start at 6:24 p.m. ET.

We can't forget that this race has never been canceled, and an opening in the storm is all the people in charge need to get the fastest two minutes in sports out of the way. As long as the track is deemed safe for the horses, the weather should hold out until after the main event.

Elsa/Getty Images

While a few pre-race activities have been canceled, there is little doubt that the field will get to run the 2012 Kentucky Derby. The officials are hopeful that the crew will upgrade the track’s condition soon.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting about the turf’s condition and when they are expected to upgrade its condition:

An overnight storm dumped more than an inch of rain on the Churchill Downs area, forcing officials to label the track condition as "sloppy." However, there are still many hours to go until the Kentucky Derby and the condition is expected to be upgraded. The turf course was labeled as "good." The optimal condition for a dirt track is "fast" and for a turf course is "firm."

With the sun and heat beating down on the track, the hope is that by the time the Kentucky Derby is scheduled to post at 6:32 p.m. ET, the track will be is suitable condition to run. We'll have more news as it breaks.

Rob Carr/Getty Images

With rain coming through the Louisville, Kentucky, the 138th Kentucky Derby is facing its biggest foe in Mother Nature. While the event has never been canceled, today’s activity schedule has changed.

Huffington Post Sports is reporting about the track’s cancellation of pre-race activities:

Morning training for Kentucky Derby and 13-race card cancelled after night of thunderstorms huff.to/K9OUk6

— HuffPost Sports (@HuffPostSports) May 5, 2012

There is no way that they will cancel this race unless the track is completely wasted. In the history of the event it has never been canceled, so I can’t see them starting now. At least, I hope not.

Rob Carr/Getty Images

With nerves about the possibility of rain canceling the Kentucky Derby have enveloped some fans, it’s important to note that there is no precedent for that.

For those still worried, Senior Meteorologist for The Weather Channel Jonathan Erdman brings up a great point about the long history of the Derby:

The #KYderby has never been cancelled due to weather.Today's forecast and Derby weather history:wxch.nl/KBYQ37

— Jonathan Erdman (@TWCjerdman) May 5, 2012

If in the 138 years of Kentucky Derbies they have never shut it down because of rain, there is no reason to say they will do it today. As much as I could see them delaying the start a bit, they will run this race.

WLKY.com

With a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 9:00 a.m. for many Kentucky counties Saturday morning, the skies have cleared up a bit now.

WLKY.com’s weather team is reporting that today will be warm and partly sunny at Churchill Downs, with isolated thunderstorms making their rounds throughout the day. The forecast goes on to say:

After a bumpy night, we are looking forward to drier air moving into the region.  Look for temperatures warming into the middle 80s. A spotty shower/storm will be possible tonight.  Our best chance of showers and storms move in on Monday.

As much as there is hope that this race will go off without a hitch, the hourly forecast has rain on the board until after 8:00 p.m. ET. It’s uncertain what the organizers will do, but keep it here for all the updates on the weather for today’s event.