LOUISVILLE, Ky. — From the famous air show to the largest display of fireworks in the country, the weather during Thunder Over Louisville has a huge impact on the festivities.
This year's Thunder Over Louisville is on Saturday, April 20. The day-long celebration kicks off weeks of celebrations leading up to the historic 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.
As you may know, the weather widely varies during the spring months in Kentucky and Indiana.
Since the first Thunder Day in 1990, Louisville has seen everything from sleet, rain, and ranging temperatures from the 40s to the high 80s. Just under half of every Thunder Day has had rain at some point in the day.
Thankfully, it does not look like this year will be at either of the extremes shown above.
Here's a look at what to expect for Saturday, April 20.
How weather could impact the Thunder Air Show
The weather is not only important for the thousands of visitors flocking to either side of the Ohio River, there are also strict parameters that pilots must abide by in order to perform one of the nation's top air shows.
If the cloud ceiling is too low and visibility is reduced to under 3 miles, the show will not go on as planned. If clouds are less than 3,000 feet from the ground, only acts with a "low" show can be done.
The amount of wind can be a limiting factor too. If there is wind over 23 mph, aircrafts will be limited in what they can do. Wind over 28 mph means no sky diving will be performed.
Is Ohio River flooding a concern?
The Ohio River's water level matters during Thunder Over Louisville because it can potentially shrink the seating area for spectators on the waterfront and even limit private boaters.
As of Thursday afternoon, the water is up over parts of the Great Lawn due to recent days of rain. That being said, it will begin lowering Friday, and drop off just in time for Thunder.
Latest readings show the river level at just over 19 feet, which is 2 feet below action stage.
Thunder Over Louisville Forecast
The WHAS11 First AlertStorm is looking at a forecast similar to last year's Thunder Over Louisville with highs in the 60s.
Despite the odds being stacked against us historically, it is going to be a beautiful Saturday afternoon! Sunshine will be in control with only a few high thin clouds.
Plan on low and middle 60s for the air show, which begins around 3 p.m., then dropping into the lower 50s for fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Wind should not be a problem either. It will be from the north between 5-10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.
All around comfortable conditions expected!
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