April Showers This Year Bring More May Showers

If this spring has seemed a bit rainier than usual, you’re not imagining things. The excess in precipitation is affecting local businesses that depend on cooperative weather, including farms, nurseries and golf courses. It’s keeping backyard gardeners and spring sports enthusiasts out of commission as well.

The National Weather Service reported rain was 1.55 inches above normal for April this year, with 4.94 inches of rain in the Akron-Canton reporting area. Cleveland had a record 6.89 inches of rain in April. May is also above average at this stage in the month, according to the weather service. So far May has 2.59 inches of rain in Akron-Canton, 0.41 inches above normal as of May 17. Rain remains in the forecast. The National Weather service projects above-normal precipitation for a large area including Ohio for at least another week.  

Bob Stone, owner of Stone’s Quality Environment Garden Center next to Krieger’s on Graham Road, said the wet May has definitely dampened his business. “Business is cut at least in half when it’s raining,” Stone said. After more than 30 years in business he’s seen this before, and usually June business picks up to compensate for lost May business. “May is usually the best month,” he said.

Reatha Pacetti, a Stone’s Garden Center employee, succinctly summed up business so far this spring: “Terrible!”

Brookledge Golf Club on Bailey Road has "weathered the storm" so far, said Superintendent Scott Nickol. 

“Actually we’re doing pretty good, all things considered out here. We’ve got a strong base of leagues, some pretty loyal customers. We’re keeping expenses down and right now we’re holding our own.

“We certainly don’t want the weather to continue, but we’re doing all right,” Nickol said.

Much of the land surrounding Szalay’s Sweet Corn Farm in the Cuyahoga River Valley remains unplowed because of the excess rain and standing water in the fields. The Szalay’s phone number is disconnected and nobody at Szalay’s was available for comment. On a recent visit, most of the surrounding fields were still unplanted and tractors sat idle.

High school sports events have been affected as well, including games scheduled to be covered this spring on Cuyahoga Falls Patch.

Has the soggy spring impacted your plans this May? Tell us in the comments below.