Trad Tuillier and Betty Castillo of Louisiana tour lower Manhattan on Christmas Eve. Associated Press Associated Press

EAST COAST AMERICANS shed their Christmas sweaters on 24 December to enjoy soaring temperatures ahead of the holiday.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in New York’s iconic Central Park peaked at 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 Celsius) – the warmest Christmas Eve since records began in 1871.

In the capital Washington, tourists and last minute shoppers wore t-shirts and sat outside at sidewalk cafes as federal workers left their offices dressed for holiday parties.

The NWS reported that the port of Norfolk in Virginia broke its all time December record of 82 degrees (28 Celsius).

Russ Cirincione shops in New York on Christmas Eve. Associated Press Associated Press

The New York Times cooking blog broke away from its coverage of traditional Yuletide fare to offer “Recipes for a 70-Degree Christmas” – leading off with roast salmon and a soft herb salad.

At Maryland’s only ski station just one of 35 trails was open, thanks to artificial snow-making machines.

Last year the Wisp Resort’s runs opened on 13 December, NBC Washington reported.

The forecast for New York today is around 19 degrees Celsius – but temperatures will drop back to around normal for the time of year tomorrow.

© AFP 2015 with reporting from Daragh Brophy. 

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