Belmont Stakes Week Expected to Start Under Sunny Skies, Rain Remains a Possibility for Saturday
As horsemen, handicappers, and racing fans descend upon Saratoga Race Course for the 158th Belmont Stakes, the weather appears poised to cooperate for most of the week, though there remains some uncertainty for the main event on Saturday evening.
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, Belmont Stakes week is expected to begin under bright, sunny conditions. Opening day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on Wednesday should feature abundant sunshine with temperatures reaching approximately 83 degrees.
The favorable weather pattern is expected to continue into Thursday, when the festival’s graded-stakes schedule begins in earnest. Forecasters are calling for another sunny afternoon with temperatures climbing to around 87 degrees.
Friday’s outlook remains largely positive as well. Conditions are expected to be partly sunny with afternoon highs again approaching 87 degrees, providing ideal weather for one of the sport’s premier racing weekends.
Saturday, however, bears closer watching.
Current forecasts indicate a 40 percent chance of showers developing after 2 p.m. EDT on Belmont Stakes Day. Temperatures are expected to top out near 86 degrees before easing into the evening hours. The chance of precipitation is forecast to decrease slightly to 30 percent Saturday night.
While the forecast does not currently suggest a washout, the possibility of afternoon showers could have implications for track conditions as the day progresses. The Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, carrying a purse of $2 million, is scheduled for a 7:04 p.m. EDT post time at Saratoga Race Course.
As is often the case in upstate New York, weather conditions can change quickly, and horseplayers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on updated forecasts throughout the week as they finalize their wagering strategies. For now, the outlook points toward a predominantly pleasant Belmont Stakes Festival, with only a modest threat of rain hovering over Saturday’s marquee event.
