Murmen was referring to the unusually warm, record-breaking temperatures last Saturday afternoon. According to Brookhaven National Laboratories, the temperature reached 70 degrees at 1 p.m., topping the all-time high of 56 degrees in 1950.
While two late December 2006 blizzards paralyzed the Midwest, Long Islanders enjoyed mostly mild temperatures with no snow during the entire month. According to weather statistics recorded at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory since 1949, 2006 brought the warmest December on record for Long Islanders with a monthly average temperature of 40.9 degrees Fahrenheit (F), as well as the warmest November, with an average temperature of 48.6 degrees F. In fact, with an average annual temperature of 53.2 degrees F, 2006 was the warmest year ever recorded at the Laboratory.
Due to the mild temperatures, The Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums decided to reopen some long Island golf courses, including Bay Park in East Rockaway. The Parks Department said they will stay open "as weather permits."
Residents took full advantage of the weather. Chris Brescia, of Lynbrook, was out with friend T.J. Sparandara, also of Lynbrook -- and two of their best friends -- Austin and Luc. Their four-legged pals frolicked in Bay Park, retrieving sticks and taking in the sunshine.
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