Groundhog Day 2016 is upon us, and the forecast is in from the Weather Capitol of the World, a.k.a. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
Today marked that magical, annual moment when Punxsutawney Phil emerges from Gobbler's Knob to answer the million-dollar question ...
Will we have to endure six more weeks of snow, wind, ice and other winter fun before spring arrives? Or will our reprieve come ASAP?
Only Punxsutawney Phil and his shadow can say with clarity.
And he has done so, just moments ago. The verdict:
NO SHADOW! Early Spring is coming, baby!!!!!!!!!
Phil, who emerged from his burrow moments ago to find conditions not bright enough to see his shadow in Western Pa., has spoken.
According to folklore, this is all we need to know.
The appearance of Phil's shadow, which has been sighted 101 times since 1887, means winter will carry on as per usual in N. America.
When Phil does not peep it, spring comes early.
Such was the case today, as the prognosticator "told" this to the president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Bill Deeley, at 7:20 a.m.
As to whether scientists agree? National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration models suggest that Phil's accuracy is marginal at best.
NOAA's October predictions for America's winter included colder and wetter than normal conditions for the Southeastern U.S. in 2016.
Mild weather in the West and warmer weather in the Midwest and Northeast have been the norm this year so far, though. So stay tuned.
The accuracy of the venerable, meteorologically inclined rodent's prediction is secondary, of course, to the true meaning of Groundhog Day.
Which is ... we have no earthly idea honestly.
It's basically just a silly, light-hearted reason to get out there and appreciate the wondrous power, mystery and majesty of nature.
And recite Groundhog Day quotes, because obviously. And no matter what, 2/2 is the mid-point between the winter solstice and spring equinox.
So at worst, winter is still half over?
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