Rhode Islanders hit the beach to enjoy hot temperatures

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — It’s the middle of April, and beach season is already here.

Friday morning, Narragansett Beach was already full of people from 8 a.m. enjoying the summer-like conditions. After record-breaking temperatures in the 80s Thursday, Rhode Islanders were treated to much of the same again Friday.

“It’s incredible. I could not believe it was going to be this warm this week,” said Abbie Gallic, a University of Rhode Island student at the beach Friday morning. “I was really excited and it was really nice to get a break from the cold.”

These unusually warm temperatures were a welcome sight for children enjoying the last few days of April break, as well as local college students who used the day as an escape from the stress of classes down the stretch.

“It’s currently finals season so this is a great way to take a break, relax, and enjoy the nice weather,” Gallic said.

The mid-April heat attracted a huge crowd to Narragansett Beach, with beachgoers soaking in the sun, playing spike ball, and a handful of them even went down to the water to go for a swim.

And for others like Kim Maher and her granddaughter, this weather is a chance for some quality time on the beach

“It’s April but it’s clearly not [with] this August weather,” Maher said. “She clearly wants to be swimming now.”