Thursday, 4:30 PM
Springlike January makes Bostonians wonder
By April Simpson and Gareth Cook, Globe Staff
Boston set a record high temperature Friday, and seemed likely to set another one Saturday, as the entire region did an unsettling impression of springtime in January, complete with blooming trees and people picnicking on the Public Garden’s emerald green grass.
Boston hit 63 degrees Friday, breaking the record of 62 set in 1993, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters predicted the mercury could hit the mid-60’s again today, breaking a record that dates back to 1913.
Meteorologists said the unseasonable temperatures since the fall have been caused by changing weather patterns over the oceans. Instead of cold air being drawn down from the north, as usually happens this time of year, warm air is continuing to flow in from the south and west.
For people out and about yesterday, the weather left them wondering.
At Boston’s Public Garden, Beacon Hill’s Ellie Brown, 61, expressed dismay at a cherry tree erupting in pink blossoms.
"When you live in New England, you are accustomed to the seasons' cycles," she said, swatting her face to hit a bug. "That is just not right for January."
