Hoping for an early spring? Wiarton Willie's prediction says you're in luck

If you're hoping to pack away your winter coat sooner than later, there's good news.

Wiarton Willie, Ontario's weather forecasting rodent, predicted an early spring on Thursday when he didn't see his shadow.

This year's Groundhog Day forecast was officially an‐ nounced at 8:07 a.m. from Wiarton, Ont. in the South Bruce Peninsula.

Crowds gathered in freez‐ ing temperatures to see if the famous Willie would see his shadow — and what that means for the weeks ahead. Wiarton Willie whis‐ pers into the mayor's ears to make his report.

"I think many people are really happy, quite honest‐ ly, because it's cold here to‐ day," said Danielle Edwards, manager of economic devel‐ opment for the town of South Bruce Peninsula. "Hopefully Willie is correct and we're go‐ ing to see an early spring."

On Feb. 2 each year, eyes turn to Wiarton Willie to see if he'll see his shadow — mean‐ ing six more weeks of win‐ ter — or no shadow, predict‐ ing an early spring. This year marks 67 years of the tradi‐ tion.

"People were super pumped. It's been two years since we've been able to gath‐ er together for a live predic‐ tion because of the pandemic, so I think people were just very excited to get out and celebrate live in person," said Edwards.

Shubenacadie Sam and Punxsutawney Phil pre‐ dict long winter

Nova Scotia's beloved groundhog Schubenacadie Sam saw his shadow predict‐ ing six more weeks of winter.

In Pennsylvania, Punx‐ sutawney Phil also saw his shadow Tuesday morn‐ ing, gearing up for a long win‐ ter ahead.

Last year, Groundhog Day predictions clashed between Wiarton Willie, who called for an early spring, and Shubenacadie Sam, who called for a long, cold winter.