What a day to bask in the sun ... and have a hot dog

Thursday was a dawg-gone great day to cruise to your favorite drive-through in a convertible or with the sunroof open.

Today's high reached 83, breaking the old record of 82 for April 1 set in 1946, according to Jerry Taft, chief meteorologist at ABC 7.

As the temperature soared Thursday so did the hot dog orders at Superdawg in Wheeling. A steady stream of cars and motorcycles rolled in off Milwaukee Avenue, and Manager Laura Berman said they sold more than 800 dogs over lunch.

"We filled all 72 speaker stalls and most of the 25 picnic tables fast," reported Berman, granddaughter of original Superdawg owners Maurie and Flaurie Berman.

Waitress Aninee Nickerson raced orders out to their cars, telling customers to enjoy their lunch and the great weather.

"It seems like a spring day in southern Texas - truly amazing for the Midwest," said Trevor Mayer of Northbrook who just returned home from college in Texas and was eating a hamburger and fries while wearing a T-shirt and sunglasses.

Cathy Pryor of Lake Zurich and friend Sue Leyva of Schaumburg enjoyed lunch at one of the 25 picnic tables. After work, Leyva said, she was going to work in her garden and take a ride on a new motorcycle.

Meanwhile, in Bartlett, the lunch crowd had gathered at Sonic Drive-In.

"I'm loving it and taking advantage of the weather while it lasts," said Theresa Rayfield, enjoying a meal with Johnny Stahl, 2, and his mom, Jamie Stahl, all of Hanover Park.

"It's a nice break, it's awesome," said Staci Swadener of Bartlett, with her children Sara, 9, Anna, 9, and Luke, 3.

Meteorologist Tracy Butler said Thursday's weather was just like a day in mid-June - the expected high of 80 was the same as the average temperature for June 16. The average high for April 1 is 52 degrees.