Basking Ridge, N.J. Hits 95 Degrees April 16; Unusually Warm Weather Brings Red Flag Brush Fire Warnings
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The heat is on in the Big Apple.
Temperatures Monday were about 25 degrees above normal, making it feel more like July instead of April.
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond: NYers Soaked Up The Sun Along The Hudson River
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The mercury climbed to a high of 95 degrees in Basking Ridge, N.J., and 88 today in Central Park.
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With the warm weather and recent dry spell, brush fires are an increasing concern. There's a red flag warning in effect until 8 p.m. for Rockland, Fairfield, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Union and Orange Counties as well as northern Westchester and Connecticut.
Even with the warm temperatures, some headed to Rockefeller Plaza to do some ice skating. A boy named "Parker," 11, was skating in shorts and said the hot air felt great with the cold sprinkles from the ice.
1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon Speaks With People In Rockefeller Plaza
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"When you fall, you fall in about an inch of water. So that really gets you cooled down," he told 1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon.
A woman from Australia said she got into town a few days ago expecting a more typical New York spring.
"I thought it would be perfect to ice skate in that sort of weather, but this is amazing. But it feels great because it's a good way to cool down. I know I'll spend a lot of time on the ice," she said.
WCBS 880's Alex Silverman On The Story
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"We don't have any tree cover out. The leaves haven't brought it out or anything like that yet. So the sun is still getting down to the forest floor and drying all those fuels out," New Jersey Fire Warden Jason Von Oesen told WCBS 880 reporter Alex Silverman.
Von Oesen told Silverman 99 percent of New Jersey's wildfires are caused by people. Von Oesen recommends taking extra care and restricting the use of flame outside.
Commuters WCBS 880 reporter Paul Murnane met at the Port Chester Metro-North station on Monday were dressed for the weather.
WCBS 880's Paul Murnane On The Story
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"I love summer. I was actually born in summertime," one commuter told Murnane. "So, I love it. I love it."
Some riders, however, were happy to hear that it will be back in the 70s on Tuesday, finding the 80s just a bit too much.
WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story
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On Long Island, WCBS 880 Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs went to Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park. Many people he spoke with there thought the weather was wonderful.
There were walkers and joggers soaking in the sun on the boardwalk.
Those with seasonal allergies, however, are seeking relief. Pollen arrived in February this year because of the mild winter.
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The continuing warm and dry spell has just made things worse, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
The air in Springfield, New Jersey was laden with tree and grass pollen over the weekend and allergy sufferers are continuing to feel it.
"Oh, just constant sneezing as soon as I step outside," one sufferer told Adams.
The pollen count is expected to stay high for the next couple of days. Allergy sufferers should keep antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays at the ready.
Another tip for allergy sufferers is to keep your clothes worn outside away from the bed. A shower before getting in bed may also be helpful.
What's your take on the warm weather? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
