Thousands await groundhog Phil’s prediction
Legend says if the rodent emerges and sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter should be expected
After record-breaking freezing temperatures across North America and an unusually powerful winter storm known as a “bomb cyclone,” one creature’s annual weather prediction might be the last hope for those itching for an early spring.
Thousands of revellers yesterday were expected to gather in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, about 120 kilometres northeast of Pittsburgh, to witness a groundhog named “Phil” make his annual prediction on how long the North American winter will last.
Spectators at Gobblers Knob park can expect cloudy skies with cold temperatures near -8.3°C early on Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service. But the clouds should clear out by the time Phil appears shortly after sunrise, NWS forecaster Bob Oravec said on Thursday.
“I assume he’s going to see his shadow in the morning,” Oravec said.
According to legend, if the rodent emerges from his dwelling and sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter should be expected. But if Phil doesn’t see his shadow, spring is in for an early arrival.
Groundhogs, portly rodents belonging to the squirrel family, have been offering weather predictions in the tiny town since 1887. The annual Groundhog Day event, made more popular by the 1993 comedy film Groundhog Day, draws faithful followers from as far away as Australia and Russia.