Springlike Warmth to Make A Return Appearance Today

Washington temperatures soared far above customary January ranges yesterday, reaching the highest levels in almost seven weeks, setting a record, and relaxing the requirement for scarves, coats and mittens.

"This is unbelievable," a National Weather Service report said, citing the 71-degree high at Dulles International Airport, which broke the Jan. 7 record by five degrees. At Reagan National Airport, the high of 69 was 26 degrees above normal.

The "unbelievable" description took account of such events as a tornado warning in Michigan and lightning on Lake Huron, all apparently tied to a high-pressure system off the southeast coast, reminiscent of the heat-producing Bermuda High of summer infamy.

In Martinsburg, W.Va., it was 70, and in Richmond, 74. Records were set or matched yesterday in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Today might be even warmer than yesterday in the Washington area. The forecast called for highs in the lower 70s. Although not a record, the District's temperature yesterday was the highest since Nov. 22, and people took advantage, lunching outdoors as if it were April.