Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most furry forecaster, failed to see his shadow Tuesday morning, meaning spring is right around the corner.
According to the folklore, this indicates an early start to spring for the United States. This tradition dates back to 1887. On this day, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow then the spring season is said to come early. If it’s sunny then the groundhog supposedly sees its shadow retreating back into its den, indicating that winter will persist for six more weeks.
On the Groundhog Day, people gather to see rodents predicting whether spring is expected to arrive early or not. This year marks the 18th time that Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog hasn't seen his shadow.
Nevertheless, people in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast will have to wait for some time as winter has plans of staying till about March. In rest of the places, widespread spring-like severe will be seen by April.
Cold air and stormy weather will be seen from late February into the beginning of March. Accordingly, we can expect a potential late-winter snowstorm. Weather Meteorologists are predicting a last surge of winter before the occurrence of spring. Northeast US will see some snow, rather a cold snap and not a big snowstorm. A quick warm-up will follow and bring milder faster than the past two years.
April will occasionally see damp and dreary day before a turnaround in May. The later will have mild temperatures with some sunshine and cooler nights.
May could also see droughts in parts of the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, bringing an early season heat.
So this definitely does not mean that you should pack your winter coats. In 2013, the rodent called for an early spring but severe cold weather and snow gripped the eastern United States in the mid of March. The prosecuting attorney in the Butler County of Ohio went for a death penalty for Phil but a Pennsylvania law firm came to his defense.
Image credit- al.com