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New Yorkers Bask In The Warmth As New York City Sees Record High Temps

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- It feels like spring has arrived early.

New York City hit a record-high of 72 degrees at around 1 p.m. Wednesday making the Big Apple feel more like Florida.

The normal  for March 9 is 47 degrees, CBS2 Meteorologist John Elliott reported.

The high for today is expected to be just the reverse -- 74 degrees.  Seventy-four is the normal high for May 29, Elliott reported.

A record high of 69 degrees was set on this day in 2000.

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Many across the region were taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather.

"It's absolutely fantastic," a woman walking her two golden retrievers in Central Park told 1010 WINS' John Montone. "Couldn't come soon enough."

"I walk, I just appreciate it and walk," another woman taking a stroll in the park said. "New York is a walking place."

"If weather had a quality we would call this kindness," a man said.

On the Upper West Side, many people were out in short sleeve shirts and light coats.

For people who work outside, sunshine can mean fuller pockets.

"When it's cold you don't see that many people in the street but when it's warm you see a lot of people walking around, a lot of tourists," street vendor Leandro Luciano told CBS2' Magdalena Doris.

The layers of clothing that were essential in the morning when termperatures were in the 40s, were extra baggage by noon.

"A price well worth paying for such a gorgeous day," Jennifer Mazur of Vermont said.

Golfers were getting into the swing of spring at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.

"I decided to call in sick at 5:30  in the morning and be here," one golfer said.

"I get a phone call from my brother-in-law, he got us a tee time at Van Cortlandt," another golfer said. "I'm having a baby in a week, I thought you know what this is the right time to go play a round."

In New Jersey, the temperature at 10 a.m. was already 66, so hundreds were also filling up the links at Paramus Golf Course.

"Nice and warm, it's just a good day to get out and enjoy the sunshine," said John from Midland Park. "I hope the weather keeps going the rest of the week and I'm looking forward to a good round."

When 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck asked John if he was playing hooky, he responded, "No comment."

At Huguenot Park in New Rochelle, the warm air had some in the mood for a summertime treat.

"I'm so hot, I need ice cream," 4-year-old Farrah said.

In Glenn Island Park kids of all ages were soaking in the sights.

"We'll be back in the park tomorrow because we're retired, that's the best part about it and the weather adds to it," Alice Roberto said.

If you weren't already sold that Wednesday was a perfect weather day, take some advice from a 10-year-old.

"Just like, enjoy the breeze and the sun," Dylan said.

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, higher temperatures meant more tourists sitting on the museum steps basking in the sun, and walking down Fifth Ave with jackets in hand.

"I bet if you go inside the park you'll see people in bikinis today, that's just what New Yorkers do," Jessica Hertz said.

Spring officially begins March 20.

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