Long Islanders Quickly Warm Up To Summer-Like Weather In October

POINT LOOKOUT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- October is usually when boats are pulled out of the water, swimming pools are covered, and summer clothes are packed away. But fall weather was put on hold Wednesday.

Several record high temperatures were recorded -- 86 degrees in Newark, 85 degrees at Kennedy Airport and 84 degrees in Islip. At Bethpage Bikeway on Long Island, walkers and bicyclists were taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather.

"I can take this weather any day of the week, any day of the year," one cyclist told CBS 2's Carolyn Gusoff.

A month after Long Island's beaches officially closed, crowds returned to the sand, slathering on suntan lotion for what could be their last chance to enjoy the heat this year.

"It's too nice to be working, so 82 degrees on the beach, it's a beautiful thing," said Joe "Junior" Timpanaro, of Long Beach.

Some people moved their lunches outdoors or went out shopping in flip-flops and tank tops.

Others hit golf courses and driving changes.

"Who knows how much longer we're going to have to do this?" said T.J. Katsoulas, of Rockville Centre, who was at a driving range. "So why not hit a few golf balls?"

Among those squeezing golf into his day was David Mecca, captain of the Hofstra University golf team, who said he remembers how chilly last fall was.

"Last year, we were playing in sweatshirts and sweatpants," he told Gusoff. "This is gorgeous."

CBS 2 meteorologist Lonnie Quinn said signs point to a milder October. The high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 70s or lower 80s at least through the weekend.

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