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After Weeks Of Cold Temperatures, New Yorkers Out Enjoying Warm Weather

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- After weeks of cold temperatures, New Yorkers soaked up the warm spring weather Friday, especially since it might not last that long.

Many were outside as temperatures soared into the 70s. Forecasters say Saturday could be even warmer with 70s in and around the city and 80-degree readings inland.

"I came out from my midnight shift and realized I'm overdressed," Queens resident Karen Vaz told CBS2's Vanessa Murdock.

"I just had my coffee made and it felt like everybody in the coffee shop was in a better mood," Upper West Side resident Lauren Roth said.

The prolonged winter took its toll. Since spring officially began on March 20, 18 of the first 23 days have registered temperatures below normal with nearly 14 inches of snow.

But now, instead of Central Park's Sheep Meadow blanketed in snow, as it was on the first full day of spring, it was blanket with, well, blankets. Fans of the unseasonable warmth basked in the sun, babies savored treats and bare toes tickled the grass.

"It's good weather," said Upper West Side resident Ravi Rozdon. "It's a good time to enjoy it, it's spring."

Rosie Quinonez wasn't going to miss the chance to spread out under the blue skies and budding trees with little Anna and their friends, Aida and Farren.

"It feels wonderful, it's finally one nice day," Quinonez said.

"Oh my gosh, it feels great. This is all we've been talking about all week, and it's finally here," Farren added.

Another foursome dined outside, saying they couldn't spend the day in the office.

"We're all playing hooky from work today," Howard Matson said.

"The weather is awesome, and I would like it stay this way from now until the first day of winter, please," said Naomi Weingart, of Westport, Connecticut.

A cold front Sunday will bring some rain and drizzle with highs only in the 40s.

"We're ecstatic," said resident Susan Tal. "But the temperatures are going back to 40s in two days -- don't tell me about the next two days being gorgeous."

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