Southwestern Connecticut residents were out and about Friday, to take in the first mild day of the new year.

With temperatures reaching around 40 degrees, many took the time to wash their cars for the first time this winter. Others even went to beaches like Compo Beach in Westport to enjoy the cool breeze and warm rays and eat ice cream.

News 12 Connecticut meteorologists say this winter has been downright brutal. They say while last year?s temperatures were five degrees above normal, this year they've been five degrees below normal.

Temperatures over the next few days are expected to hover around 30 degrees.