:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12664783/sbnation_2013_kentucky_derby.0.png)
A storm system moving into the southeastern United States will spread persistent rain showers across the Bluegrass state today, increasing the likelihood of a wet, muddy and sloppy Kentucky Derby.
The above graphic is the high-resolution weather forecast model called the NAM for 12 p.m. EDT. Rain showers will stream in from the south and continue to spread into north-central Kentucky. Showers are expected to become steady over Louisville from noon on into the afternoon and evening.
This is the same forecast model for 6 p.m. EDT, right before the start of the Kentucky Derby. Rain showers could be coming down steadily and heavily by this evening.
The forecast for today's 139th running of the Kentucky Derby expects rain showers increasing and becoming steady into the afternoon and evening. Winds will be out of the west-northwest between 5 and 15 mph. Temperatures this afternoon will be in the upper 50s to near 60.
More Kentucky Derby coverage:
• No Finish Line: Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens returns
• Kentucky Derby betting guide
• Kentucky Derby post positions and morning line odds
• Meet the Kentucky Derby contenders
• Kentucky Derby weekend weather forecast