Marmots throughout the nation are talking up on Monday, Groundhog Day, with loads of groundhogs, together with Woodstock Willie within the Chicago suburbs, set to make predictions on whether or not or not there can be six extra weeks of winter or an early spring.
About 6:30 a.m. Monday, officers introduced Punxsutawney Phil, the well-known rural Pennsylvania groundhog that lives in a tree stump in Gobbler’s Knob, noticed his shadow. However what does that imply, and what about Woodstock Willie?
What occurs when the groundhog sees his shadow?
The meteorological marmot’s predictions on Monday are fairly simple. When Phil is alleged to have seen his shadow upon emergence from a tree stump in rural Pennsylvania, that’s thought of a forecast for six extra weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see his shadow, an early spring is alleged to be on the best way.
NBC 5 Storm Staff Alicia Roman famous the predictions although can appear complicated.
“When he does not see his shadow, which means an early spring. If he sees his shadow, you suppose the solar is shining, you suppose the heat of spring, but it surely’s the other,” Roman mentioned.
What about Woodstock Willie?
The northwest suburb of Woodstock started its annual Groundhog Day celebration of the 1993 film that was filmed there. The annual occasion, which incorporates Groundhog Day film festivities, performances and visitor appearances, additionally features a prognostication from Woodstock Willie.
Willie’s prediction got here simply after 7 a.m.
“I undoubtedly don’t see a shadow,” Stephen Tobolowsky, who performed Ned Ryerson within the hit film, movie introduced Monday to a roaring crowd. “Spring is coming!”
What did the groundhog predict final yr?
Groundhogs throughout the nation do not at all times agree on their predictions. Final yr, its beloved groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, noticed its shadow – predicting one other six weeks of winter.
However Woodstock Willie did not comply with go well with. The suburban Chicago groundhog did not see its shadow and as a substitute predicted in early spring.
Whereas Roman predicted Woodstock Willie will not see his shadow, the NBC 5 Storm Staff Meteorologist mentioned winter is not going wherever.
“I believe we’re nonetheless going to see winter situations till winter is finished,” Roman mentioned.
