2017 Preakness Stakes: Heat to diminish for Saturday’s race at Pimlico

By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather staff writer

May 19,2017, 1:18:23PM,EDT

 

 

After record highs were felt throughout the Northeast at midweek, the unseasonable warmth will depart in time for the 142nd running of the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore on Saturday.
Spectators planning to spend the day at Pimlico Race Course can look forward to cooler and dry conditions along with a mix of sun and clouds.
“It will also end up being less humid, making for comfortable conditions for the big event,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.

Preakness Stakes contender Hence, left, walks off the track at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Wednesday, May 17,2017. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

A high in the low 70s F is expected on Saturday; the normal high for May 20 in Baltimore is 76.
Post time for the Preakness, the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, is 6:48 p.m. EDT.
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While the conditions will turn out favorable for the race, attendees should be sure to have sunglasses and sunscreen handy.
Although the Preakness won’t be impacted by wet weather, Friday’s running of the Black-Eyed Susan may be hindered by showers and thunderstorms.

If the thunderstorms are particularly heavy, that could result in sloppy track conditions for the Black-Eyed Susan, a race for three-year-old fillies. Post time is slated for 4:50 p.m. EDT.
The track conditions will likely turn out dry for the Preakness, unlike the Kentucky Derby which was run on a muddy track.
As one of the most prestigious events in horse racing, the Preakness has many notable traditions. One tradition is the annual painting of Pimlico's weather vane, shaped like a jockey riding a horse, in the color of the winning jockey's silks as soon as the race ends.