LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The Friday afternoon before one of Louisville's biggest nights delivered near-perfect conditions.
With sunny skies, a crystal-clear view over the Ohio River and temperatures in the mid-80s, residents got an early look at aircraft warming up for Thunder Over Louisville.
Locals Pat and Greg Klingesmith had a front-row seat, with the clear skies making practice flights easy to spot.
"We come out because today they can do their shows because it’s nice and clear," Pat said. "Tomorrow it’ll be the fly-by, the barrel rolls, and the low show."
That kind of anticipation isn’t surprising given her family’s aviation history — her father, grandparents and great uncles were all pilots.
"She comes from an aviation family and I just like things that go faster than sound," Greg said.
The two described themselves as soulmates and said Thunder is part of their DNA.
But while Friday brought ideal viewing conditions, Saturday’s forecast could complicate the show.
Waves of rain are expected throughout the day, with a steadier round in the morning and another line of downpours possible mid-afternoon. Low cloud ceilings could also limit parts of the air show.
Doug, another local resident who has attended pre-Thunder festivities for about 20 years, said last year’s weather was tough on the city community after the 2025 show was cancelled due to flooding.
"There’s so much work that goes into putting this together, and it’s really tough to not be able to do it," he said.
He said he keeps coming back for the chance to see historic airplanes up close.
"Seeing the World War II vintage airplanes like the Corsair and the Mustang flying right here over Louisville," he said.
Even with uncertainty about the weather, the Klingesmiths said they’re planning to be there.
"Some years we’ll skip it because it’s too rainy," Pat said. "But like I said, I haven’t been here in six years. I’m coming."
Click here for the full Thunder Over Louisville schedule and updates on the forecast.
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