January thaw brings people outside

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It felt like spring had arrived early as mild sunny weather with temperatures in the mid-40s brought runners out along the lakefront and families to the sledding hill near Soldier Field.

"It's really warm," said runner Grant Crampton. "This is probably the closest we'll get to summer in Chicago."

Most of the area enjoyed a break from the arctic chill that's had Chicagoland in a deep freeze for weeks.

"This was the first time being able to enjoy the fresh winter,

said Anthony Howard. "There was nothing in December. It's great to be able to come out in early January."

Saturday afternoon's conditions are some of the mildest since just after Christmas. But the warmer weather might not last long.

In the meantime, there was a line a block ong of people waiting to get their cars washed at Strictly By Hand in the South Loop.

"It's very busy," said Ziggy Okinski of Strictly By Hand. "It's the perfect storm: clear weather, salty streets and dirty cars."