New Jersey got a taste of spring on Thursday with temperatures rising into the 70s in some areas. The warmest section of New Jersey is expected to be in the state’s largest city - Newark.

Anyone walking through Military Park in Newark on Thursday had to ditch the jacket and warm clothing.

Some simply enjoyed the walk in the warmth of the sun, while others took a seat to read or eat lunch outside of the office.

In the northern section of the city, News 12 crews checked in on the cherry blossom trees in Branch Brook Park, some of which have already started to come to life.

Some people were outside just trying to take it all in after a rain-filled week last week.

“It was just so horrible with the rain and all so when I got up this morning I saw the sunshine and said you know I gotta get out of here,” says Carey Gavin, of Mount Prospect.

He was in Military Park in downtown Newark, as was Raquel Peck enjoying lunch outside with a colleague.

“There’s people out, more people smiling. Like even season depression disappears,” Peck says.

Newark will host a St. Patrick’s Day parade on Friday. A green stripe is already painted along Mulberry Street. However, it is likely that paradegoers won’t be enjoying the same weather conditions as Thursday. Cloudy weather is expected.