Groundhog Day 2019: The predictions are in!
With much of North American locked in the icy grip of winter the past few weeks, winter is starting to wear out its welcome for many. That puts a lot of pressure on some small shoulders this Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day is a popular tradition celebrated in North America on February 2. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow Friday it will return to its burrow, indicating that there will be six more weeks of winter. If it does not, spring will arrive early.
This year, the famous furry forecasters are once again split in their decision.
THE RESULTS
Shubenacadie Sam says: WINTER!
Sam also reported hearing a chorus of boos following his prediction.Wiarton Willie says: SPRING!
Wiarton reported a temperature of -8º and overcast skies when Willie emerged to make his forecast.
Fred la marmotte says: WINTER!
Fred's official prediction was "un printemps tardif!" amid sunny skies on Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula.
Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil says: SPRING! With the groundhog decisions split right down the middle, where does that leave our chances for an early spring?
If you're open to letting other animals vote, Nova Scotia's Lucy the Lobster also weighed in on whether or not you'll need to keep that parka handy into March. Although if you're hoping for that early spring, you might not like what she had to say.
OTHER VOTES FROM ACROSS CANADA
It isn't just the natural fur-bearers that get into the act for Groundhog Day. Manitoba Merv and Alberta's Balzac Billy also offered up their forecasts on February 2nd. Neither puppet nor mascot saw their shadows on Saturday morning.
As for The Weather Network's own long-range prognosticator-in-chief, he's in the longer winter camp, but offers a silver lining all the same.
