Honestly, if you're standing near the Hempstead Turnpike today, you've probably noticed the air feels a bit "off." It’s that biting, damp cold that only Long Island seems to perfect in the middle of January.
Right now, the weather at Belmont Park is hovering at a crisp 36°F, though with that southwest wind kicking up at 10 mph, it actually feels more like 28°F. We’re seeing a messy mix of rain and snow falling across Elmont, and the humidity is sitting heavy at 85%. If you were hoping for a clear view of the construction site where the new grandstand is rising, the 41% chance of precipitation might make things a little blurry this afternoon.
The Big Sandy is changing
Most people think of Belmont Park and immediately picture "Big Sandy," that massive 1 1/2-mile dirt track that has broken the hearts of many Triple Crown hopefuls. But here’s the thing: while the weather at Belmont Park today is all slush and wind, the track itself is in the middle of a massive identity shift.
Because of the $1.3 billion redevelopment project, the old, hulking grandstand is gone. In its place, a more intimate, winterized five-story building is taking shape. David O'Rourke, the CEO of NYRA, mentioned recently that they’re actually wrapping the third floor in glass right now. They want to be sealed in by the end of the month.
Why does that matter for the weather?
Well, for the first time in its history, Belmont is going to be a year-round destination. They’ve added a one-mile Tapeta track—that’s a synthetic surface made of sand, wax, and fibers—specifically to handle the kind of "rain and snow" conditions we're seeing today.
What to expect for the rest of the day
If you're local, don't expect the sun to make a guest appearance. The daily forecast for this Saturday, January 17, 2026, keeps us in this "rain and snow" pattern with a high of 40°F and a low of 32°F.
The wind is going to stay steady from the southwest at about 11 mph. Tonight, the precipitation might taper off into just a "cloudy" ceiling, but the 35% chance of snow lingers after dark.
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Why the forecast matters for 2026
It’s kinda wild to think that by September 18, 2026, this place will be the epicenter of New York racing again. The "weather at Belmont Park" won't just be something for horseplayers to worry about during the spring meet anymore. With the closure of Aqueduct (The Big A) coming up this summer, every single race outside of the Saratoga season is moving here.
That means the track conditions—whether it's "sloppy" dirt or "yielding" turf—will be the daily reality for every trainer in the Northeast. Historically, mudders like Tiz the Law or American Pharoah thrived when the New York sky opened up, but the new synthetic track is designed to minimize those "scratches" (when a horse is pulled from a race) that happen when a grass race gets moved to the dirt.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Check the Tapeta: When racing returns in 2026, remember that winter weather won't cancel the card as often. Synthetic tracks drain way better than the old dirt ever did.
- Dress for the "RealFeel": As we're seeing today, a 36°F temperature on Long Island is a lie. Always subtract at least 8 degrees if the wind is coming off the water from the southwest.
- Watch the Glass: If you’re passing by the site this week, look at the third floor of the new grandstand. If they get that glass sealed before the next snow hit, they’re officially on track for that September "soft opening."
- Betting Tip: On days with high humidity (like today's 85%), dirt tracks can get "heavy" even without direct rain. It’s like running through wet sand—it favors the high-stamina grinders over the pure sprinters.