Derby Day 2016: Largely dry weather in the offing despite thick cloud

By Eric Leister, Meteorologist

May 30,2016; 7:19PM,EDT

 

 

Largely dry weather is forecast for one of Britain's most prestigious horse races on Saturday, with the 237th running of the Epsom Derby.
The Epsom Derby is part of the two-day Investec Derby Festival, which begins on Friday.
The festival attracted 160,000 visitors in 2015, with an estimated 125,000 watching the Derby on Saturday.
Similar attendance is expected this year as Queen Elizabeth II presents the trophy to the winner for the first time.
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Dry weather is expected on Friday for Ladies Day; however, mostly cloudy skies will prevail.
The high temperature will reach 19 C (66 F) with a gentle northerly breeze.

Dry weather will continue for much of Saturday with the possibility for an odd shower. Thick cloud is expected throughout the day with an afternoon high temperature near 21 C (70 F).
Downpours on Tuesday will dampen the grass racing surface; however, several largely dry days leading up to Derby Day will promote improved conditions.
The Derby is set to begin at 16:30 BST. Temperatures will be near 20 C (68 F) at the start of the event with thick cloud and north winds at 6-12 mph (10-20 km/h).