Record Temperatures Give City Taste Of Summer
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With Wednesday being the eighth consecutive day with unusually high temperatures and the first day in the 90s since August, many New Yorkers went out to Bronx's Orchard Beach to soak in some sun. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.When record-high temperatures hit the city on Wednesday, many people did not waste time ripping off the winter clothes to hit Orchard Beach in the Bronx.
"After all that snow and all that rain, I love this," said one New Yorker in pursuit of a tan.
Temperatures reached 92 degrees Fahrenheit in Central Park, 87 degrees in John F. Kennedy Airport and 91 degrees at LaGuardia Airport. Not only did it set a high temperature record for the day, but it was also the earliest-recorded day in the year to have ever hit 90 degrees.
It was the first day with temperatures in the 90s since August 19. The normal high temperature this time of year is only 57 degrees.
At Orchard Beach, people played paddle ball, handball and basketball, splashed in the Long Island Sound and even did a little rollerblading and skateboarding.
"Orchard Beach was the first thing that came to my mind when I woke up this morning. I knew people would be out," said one beachgoer. "City Island and then the beach."
Some at the beach fired up grills with all types of delicious foods as others took out fishing poles and tried to get a bite.
"We are waiting to catch some flounders and I hope to pull some in and have some fresh dinner tonight," said one fisherman.
Quite a few beachgoers were a little shy to be on camera, as they should have been elsewhere during the workday.
"I am supposed to working right now. Come on," said one New Yorker.
"I think a lot of people took the day today and their bosses must be looking for them. So check NY1, they are right behind me," said another.
One man took in the heavenly sun as he sat on a bench and read the Bible.
"Today is beautiful. Take a little sun, read the word of God and get a suntan. What more could I ask for?" he said.
The early taste of summer is not scheduled to last. Wednesday's forecasts said that temperatures will be back in the 50s and 60s on Friday and Saturday.