Groundhog Day 2023 results: See them here
The results are in! Here's what the prognosticating rodents predict this year.
Groundhog Day is a popular tradition celebrated in North America on February 2. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees its shadow, it will get scared and return to its burrow. That translates to a forecast of six more weeks of winter. Under cloudy skies, the groundhog stays out to visit, suggesting we'll see an early spring.
The results
Shubenacadie Sam: Six more weeks of winter
Shubenacadie Sam was the first Groundhog Day reveal in North America.
Our very own Nathan Coleman was live on location, and reports she saw her shadow - that means winter will linger a little longer in Atlantic Canada, according to this prognosticator.
Fred La Marmotte: Six more weeks of winter
We're noticing a trend. Fred, which was represented by a mascot this year (due to tragic circumstances), also saw his shadow in Val-d'Espoir, Québec.
Lucy the lobster: Six more weeks of winter
Back to Atlantic Canada now, where Lucy the Lobster also saw her shadow.
Punxsutawney Phil: Six more weeks of winter
Bill Murray's co-star in the film Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil, is a special edition to our otherwise Canadian list. Phil lives in Pennsylvania and, like his counterparts north of the border, he is also predicting winter will stick around a bit longer.
Wiarton Willie: Early spring
No shadow in Wiarton, Ontario! Wiarton Willie is predicting spring will come early.
Manitoba Merv: Six more weeks of winter
It's not looking good for spring enthusiasts. Merv also saw his shadow, locking down six more weeks of cold on the Prairies.
Balzac Billy: Early spring
In 2022, Balzac Billy predicted six more weeks of winter, but this year he had a sunnier forecast in Alberta.
A recap of Groundhog Day predictions, 2020-2023
Take a look at how Groundhogs have voted in the past, and you'll find Willie has a sunnier outlook that others.
"Statistically, Willie would likely always have a better chance of predicting an early spring due to Wiarton's placement in the snowbelts," explains Weather Network meteorologist Kelly Sonnenburg, "a.k.a., the land of lake-effect snow and cloud! Willie a glass half-full type of rodent."
Thumbnail image made by Cheryl Santa Maria in Canva.
