Bouts of rain and chilly weather have slowed business for Lawrence pools since they opened Memorial Day Weekend, said Lori Madaus, aquatics supervisor for the Lawrence Aquatic Center.

Storm clouds hover west of the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center as visitors scatter themselves around the pool Thursday. Cooler temperatures and plenty of rain since the pool's opening on Memorial Day have kept attendance down.

“The beginning of the summer is usually on the chillier side, but to have it last this long is a little uncommon,” she said Thursday.

The Outdoor Aquatic Center, 727 Kentucky St., has closed early or opened late about five times since opening May 23 for the season, Madaus said.

Since that day, Lawrence has seen about 5.61 inches of rain, according to Matt Wolters of the National Weather Service in Topeka.

That much rain, which is uncommon but not unprecedented, has kept area temperatures low, too, Wolters observed.

“On average, the high temperature in May was 73 degrees,” he said. “Normally it should be around 76 or 77.”

Early shutdowns and late openings have slightly impacted the Aquatic Center’s finances for the worse, Madaus said. But even during times of inclement weather, the Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Drive, stays open, softening the blow.

Despite recent cold and wet weather, Madaus said she’s optimistic the sun will begin to shine brightly soon and the pool’s business will pick back up to normal.

Wolters said Lawrence can expect scattered showers through the weekend and possibly into next week. But once the rain clouds start to dissipate, the area likely will see temperates in the high 80s and low 90s.

“It’s kind of one of those things where when we get in these wet patterns, it can take a little bit for it to warm up, but that doesn’t mean it won’t warm up,” he said.