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A Bit Late, But Spring Weather Finally Blooming In Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) -- With Chicago enjoying its first long stretch of warm, sunny weather this year, the beaches and lakefront path proved to be popular destinations on Sunday.

With temperatures flirting with 80 on Sunday, it's hard to believe only one week ago, Chicago tied a 121-year-old record for cold, with a low of 35.

Lots of folks felt it was the first warm weather Sunday of the season, and they flocked to the lakefront to take advantage.

North Avenue Beach was hardly packed, but the sunshine was a real tonic for those on hand.

Jim Raisher and his kids, Frankie and Noah, enjoyed every minute at the beach on Sunday, except for one drawback.

"The water's a little bit cold," Noah said.

The lake was a chilly 57 on Sunday; and, with no lifeguards on duty, neither kids nor adults were supposed to be in the water just yet, though some couldn't resist.

Chicago was teased with higher temperatures and sunshine months ago, but hadn't seen them on a consistent basis until the past several days, making it hard for many to get ready for spring.

"We've had our pool open for two weeks. The only animal that's been in has been our Portuguese water dog," said one woman visiting from St. Louis on Sunday.

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One soccer dad from Algonquin said, after suffering through sleet at his son's game just last weekend, he's very grateful Chicago appears to be done with the cold.

"I normally would have been more indoors, but having to be forced outside to coach in soccer games forced me out into the elements, so it actually helps me kind of get through it," he said.

Despite the glorious sunshine on Sunday, a stiff wind made it a little nippy at the beaches, but the best thing about hitting the beach this early in the year, is having plenty of sand to stretch out.

There was plenty of room, even if you apparently came to the beach to check your e-mail, like Laura Goldner and her gal pals from New York.

"It's top notch. Look how clear the water is," Goldner said. "I remember I was here a couple of years ago, and it's hard to find a spot in the real summer, so it's nice."

Chicago's beaches officially open Friday, and if the forecasts hold steady, we should have the kind of weather that ensures they'll get plenty of use.

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