The beautiful day on Good Friday was one for the books

Talk about change: Seattle set a record Friday for the hottest April 6 on the books, when the mercury hit 79 degrees at 4 p.m., the National Weather Service reported.

That shattered the previous record of 73 degrees, which was set in 1977. By 2 p.m. Friday, Seattle had already reached 75 degrees. Meteorologists said they heard from area residents, saying their home thermometers had climbed into the 80s. By 4 p.m., Renton, Shelton and Boeing Field were officially 77 degrees, and Everett was 74 degrees.

Seattle residents and people visiting the city took advantage of the warmth. Along the waterfront, near Colman Dock, people sported short-sleeve shirts, sunglasses and shorts. Kids cooled off with ice cream, while others took swigs from water bottles.

Brodie Bain, 46, sat on a bench and ate a tuna sandwich. "It's fantastic. It's nice to get outside and to have these long days."BUT HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?The high pressure that kept Friday's sky clear is not expected to last through the weekend, said Carl Cerniglia, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Seattle.

Clouds, possible rain and temperatures in the 50s to 60s are expected.

Friday "will be the only verifiable dry day," Cerniglia said. "It's a bit uncommon. Just enjoy."