HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!

Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow, so spring is on its way!

Early February is the seasonal crossroad between winter and spring. February 2nd brings the most watched weather forecast of the year and the only forecast we allow a rodent to predict.

Legend has it that on this morning, if a groundhog can see its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it cannot see its shadow, spring is on the way. 

It is a superstition but there is a grain of truth to it. On winter days when you can see your shadow the temperatures are especially cold because there are no clouds overhead to insulate the earth. Therefore, the more sunny days in February, the later the onset of spring.

How successful is Wiarton in predicting whether we will have 4 weeks (doesn’t see his shadow) or 6 weeks (sees his shadow) of winter? Scientists have estimated Willies accuracy at 25%.

Even if Wiarton Willie cannot predict how long winter will last, he at least gives us hope that the end of winter is near.