Yesterday's spring-like temperatures made students clamor for Willard Building's preachers, Cafe 210's outdoor tables, Old Main's lawn and the quads in most dorm areas.

"The weather obviously helps," said Gary Cattelle, often seen preaching in the worst of weather. "When it's a nice day like this, people come out to sit and talk."

State College enjoyed record temperatures yesterday and Tuesday, with highs of about 60 degrees, said Jonathan Merritt, coordinator of the University's weather station. An average high for a mid-January day normally is about 34 degrees.

But Merrit predicts a cold front will move in today and by tomorrow students will retrieve their heavy winter coats.

Still, many people took advantage of the warm air, sitting outside talking with friends and catching up on homework. The commons area in East Halls was filled with students relaxing outside, playing soccer and throwing a frisbee.

"It's kind of a nice break," said Larry Sedley (senior-industrial engineering).

Taking time to write a postcard to her friends at home in East Germany, Kordula Wyssusek said she was surprised at the absence of frigid air.

"People told me that I have to expect very cold weather," said Wyssusek, who is living in the area with her husband, a University employee.

The outdoor patio of Cafe 210, 210 W. College Ave, normally closed during the winter, was filled with students taking a break from class.

But the 60 degree temperature did not deter people from heading out to the Tussey Mountain Ski Area.

Dan Torsell, general manager of the facility, said the weather has not slowed business down. People were coming out to take advantage of good spring skiing conditions created by the warm weather, he said.

But, skiers do not have to worry about the snow on the slopes melting.