When it comes to weather forecasts, some central Wisconsin business leaders are paying close attention.
Sunny skies and rainy days can have a major influence on decisions and strategies for local businesses.
Deann Robus, manager of the Dairy Queen of Marshfield, looks to the daily weather forecast to help determine how much dairy mix she'll need to order.
"You definitely monitor (the weather), because if it's going to be rainy, you order less mix," she said. "If it's going to be hot and sunny, you order more, (but) you don't want to have too much, because it'll expire. You definitely want to order what you need."
Robus recalled one time last year when the weather forecast called for cold weather for the week. The temperatures were higher than expected, and the restaurant had to turn people away because it didn't have enough dairy mix.
Though some people enjoy frozen treats regardless of the weather conditions, the majority wait for warmer weather, she said.
"(About) 80 to 85 degrees with no humidity - that's probably the perfect weather," Robus said. "If it gets too humid or too hot, though, they might just stay inside."
It isn't just ice cream shops that are affected.
Some residents, like Ryan Benski of Wisconsin Rapids, are more likely to venture out to restaurants or other businesses when the weather's warm.
"I'll be sitting there, and if I get hungry or something, I just throw on shorts and sandals, and I'm out (of the house)," he said. "Sometimes it's more work to put on pants, a heavy jacket and a lot of other clothes when you're going to be outside in cold weather."
Recent rainstorms haven't helped some local businesses.
Rain can delay work for people like Ed Radlinger, who owns EMR Lawn and Landscaping Services in Wisconsin Rapids.
"Typically, our mowing jobs get done once a week, but extra moisture means, number one, how (can) you find enough time to get it done?" The business takes care of mowing during the days when rain isn't expected.
Weather can be the biggest factor Stevens Point Country Club management considers when deciding when to close the golf course for the season.
The golf course opened April 1 and will stay open as long as temperatures and weather conditions allow, said Sonny Stogner, first assistant to the manager at the country club.
"That's how we handle it," he said. "The course stays open until the weather doesn't permit it."
A rich sand base, which absorbs water, allows golfers to play through the rain, Stogner said. Temperatures are even bigger factors, since freezing weather could produce frost on the ground, said Stogner, who thinks ideal golfing temperatures are in the mid-70s.
"It's not too cool, and it's not too warm - it's just right," he said. "Freezing weather is when the ground starts getting frost. I'd say that would be about 30 degrees or lower. You can't allow anyone on the golf course if there's any frost."
Weather conditions also determine how long Wisconsin Rapids resident John Trickle operates his hot dog cart.
"I'm out from the first time it gets warm, until when I can't stand it," he said.