Good Thursday, everyone. Kentucky Derby weekend is just about here and the weather is looking pretty darn nasty across the region. The ugly gets started today with showers and thunderstorms on the increase, courtesy of a big storm system.

This system is going to be a slow-mover that taps a lot of wind and, eventually, chilly temps. It may also unleash some frost behind it.

Let’s talk about today’s action before Derby Weekend.

Showers and storms will increase from west to east with gusty winds and heavy rains. The farther east you live, the better the chance at mainly dry weather until the evening. Farther west, watch for local high water issues in a few spots.

As our storm system passes through here on Friday, temps drop as winds become northwesterly. We will also see bands of showers developing. These showers will have some breaks in between then, but keep the umbrellas handy. Then on Kentucky Derby Saturday, another system dives in with a cold pool of air aloft…

Systems like the one on Saturday can sometimes spit out small soft hail or sleet. You will typically see those more in fall than May, but whatever. I’m hopeful we can turn the showers off before the Run For The Roses.

A frost threat will follow all this up for Sunday and Monday mornings…

Temps will recover closer to normal by the middle of next week, but another big upper level system sweeps in later next week…

That can bring more rain and storms, followed by another chilly blast.

Have a great day and take care.