Just when residents thought it might never come, summer blasted into Southern New Hampshire at full strength.
Yesterday, temperatures in the Granite State averaged about 85 degrees, with 40 percent humidity, a trend forecasters said will stick around until at least next Tuesday.
"We're going to have bouts of rain and sunshine, and temperatures generally in the 80s during the day and the 60s during the night," said Jim Hayes, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine.
Saturday and Sunday will be the exception, with a small chance of showers.
While the heat and humidity are a shock after weeks of rain and cool temperatures, it's not unusual weather for late July. The normal high for this time of year is about 84 degrees, Hayes said.
"It's been a lot more humid than we've seen thus far, but this year is not atypical," he said. "We're pretty much where we should be for late July; we're just not used to it."
Outdoor facilities are welcoming the increased traffic the change in weather has brought. Beaches, mini golf courses and amusement parks are reaping the benefits.
Canobie Lake Park in Salem has seen increased ticket sales over the past few days, said Chris Nicoli, the park's marketing and entertainment manager.
"We've had several guests come through that have been waiting to come but the weather's been keeping them away," Nicoli said. "The moment the sun comes out, I think everyone feels the need to get out and start having fun."
Like other outdoor parks, Canobie Lake Park is heavily dependent on a clear sky and sun.
"The forecast is certainly what helps us, and it's looking pretty good for the next week or so, so we're excited about that," Nicoli said.
Mammoth Green Driving Range and Mini Golf in Londonderry is weather dependent, too. Director of golf Glenn Keating said he couldn't be happier to finally see the sun.
"I do a golf camp for kids and I put up the sign about three weeks ago, but no one was signing up," Keating said. "All of a sudden, in the past seven days, people have been signing up like crazy and now I have more than three-quarters of the camp full."
Keating said all seasonal outdoor businesses can do is hope the warm weather continues.
"If we keep getting weather like this, it will definitely help us," he said.
Town lakes and beaches have been bustling with activity. Windham Recreation Director Cheryl Haas said the town beach has been particularly crowded since the weather warmed up.
"This morning we ran out of parking at the beach," she said. "If it was just a normal day and not so hot, that probably wouldn't have happened."
Derry Recreation Director Eric Bodenrader said he's noticed a similar trend at the town's Gallien's Beach.
"It's been crazy busy," Bodenrader said. "I think everyone has had it with the four and a half weeks of rain, so everyone has been coming out to enjoy the weather."
In Nicoli's words, "Summer is here — finally."
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