Temperatures have winter feeling like summer

March 14, 2012 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- It was 80 degrees in Chicago on Wednesday, a record-breaking feel of summer in the middle of winter, and no one is complaining.

"It's beautiful, I love it," said Sam Baader. "I couldn't ask for anything else."

Call it spring break, Chicago-style.

"I wanted to go down to Florida to experience something like this," Gina Sementha said. "But coming home is absolutely beautiful. I got to see my friends, my family and enjoy this beautiful weather."

It's just another day at the beach, from the sunbathers to the jet skis. At North Ave. people were soaking in every ray of sunshine and with the thermometer inching its way towards 80 degrees, it was hard to blame some for getting a bit confused.

"It's actually my first summer in Chicago," said Gustavo Guzman.

Summer is almost what it felt like. In the Loop, office workers poured into Daley Plaza, some bringing their work outdoors.

"I'm amazed," said Bobbie Trask. "This time last year we were still digging out from Christmas."

"I'm not sure what it means for the bigger picture of weather, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts," Mike Morley said.

How about an al fresco lunch? In old town more than one restaurant manager said this is the earliest they've ever brought the chairs and tables out. Patrons weren't complaining.

"About five minutes after I walked in you couldn't get seated, because it was all packed up pretty quickly," Eric Weber said.

"It's like a free gift," said Richard D'Onofrio. "People are out, running around, enjoying the weather."

And if you liked today, you're going to love the rest of the week.

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local, michelle gallardo

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