MALONE — The calendar says summer is here, but you’d never know it from the rain, cool temperatures and sour moods of people wanting a hot, dry season.

Squeals from happy children and the hum of busy farm equipment have been replaced by monotonous dripping from rooftop eaves and cars splashing through highway puddles.

The region can expect to continue hearing that — National Weather Service professionals and Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasters all call for rain most of this summer.

‘DISCOURAGING’

It was already a challenge for business owners to remain optimistic in today’s global economic downturn. But those counting on summer trade to boost them back up are finding it harder to keep going because of the poor weather.

“We definitely are seeing a difference, and it’s discouraging,” said Chloe Orr of Port Henry Pool and Spas in Moriah.

Fewer people are able to use their pools when there is so little in the way of warm temperatures and sunny skies.

“We only had three days in June and, so far, July doesn’t look much better,” Orr said.

“What’s really disappointing is we do water testing, and one of the questions I ask is, ‘Have you used your pool?’ Unfortunately, people are saying ‘once, maybe twice’ or ‘the grandkids have jumped in a few times,’ but that’s all. Nobody is using their pool.”

RAINED OUT

Landscapers are also facing a battle.

Some can’t get to the work they promised their customers because of the frequent rainstorms.

Robin Dragoon of Better Care Lawns and Landscaping of Plattsburgh said her husband, Bob, is doing what he can to stay on top of his work and that his clients have been patient so far.