Did the Groundhog See His Shadow?

Yesterday was not only the big game but it was also a very special day for Punxsutawney Phil. Punxsutawney Phil, who is also known as the groundhog, tells us each year if we will have an early spring or six more weeks of winter.

The groundhog tradition has been around since February 2, 1887. A rodent meteorologist was used for the first time at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Tradition says if the groundhog comes out of its hole and sees its shadow and runs back into its burrow, we will have six more weeks of winter. However, if he does not see his shadow we will have an early spring.

This Sunday, February 2nd, Punxsutawney did not see his shadow so he predicts an early spring. Now, Phil's track record has only been correct about 39 percent of the time. Phil does not always predict spring, but Sunday's prediction might be the 21st time in over 100 years he has called for an early end to winter.

What does this mean for us? Break out your warmer clothes and let's get ready to mow.