Warm weather in January

It's not that uncommon to have an occasional warm spell around Christmas - but this is extraordinary - 77 degrees on January 2nd. News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan says you can turn off the heater -

Friday, January 2nd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

It's not that uncommon to have an occasional warm spell around Christmas - but this is extraordinary - 77 degrees on January 2nd. News on 6 reporter Emory Bryan says you can turn off the heater - but not for long.

Remember last January? New Year's Day was freezing cold. The year before was even colder. But this year - so far - bliss.

It's January, but it feels like - Florida. Even real flamingos might feel right at home in Tulsa Friday. Friday's weather was a good 30 degrees warmer than a normal January day.

The wind was blowing, but it didn't on a day like this, no one cared. For Joan Gerling, it was a chance to spray off the car without worrying about getting wet. "It's a beautiful day to be off work and OU is playing, we're well represented with TU and OSU, so I'm very excited."

The warm spell attracted a few motorcycle riders - and lots of runners for a taste of nice weather. It was time to put the windows down, warm enough to put the whole top down. "It's awesome, it's great."

Golfers filled LaFortune Park to work on their game without having to battle the elements. For those who made Friday part of a long holiday weekend, it could not have been a better day to keep New Years resolutions. Cassandra McClellan of Tulsa: "all that turkey and dressing will make you get out here and run some laps, do you good."

The day did most people good - people who know it's a rare kind of day that likely won't come again, until spring.

Just think of all the people who got new jackets for Christmas - and now it's too warm to wear them. Not to worry, winter isn't far away.