Groundhog Day

The four-legged weather forecasters aren’t on the same footing when it comes to whether we will see an early spring or not.

In Canada, two high-profile Groundhog Day prognosticators, for instance, have clashing predictions: Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam is calling for an early spring, while Ontario’s Wiarton Willie expects six more weeks of winter.

According to tradition, if the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow when it emerges from its burrow on Groundhog Day, an early spring is in store.

South of the border, Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil, arguably the best-known weather predicting woodchuck, also predicted an early end to winter.

Balzac Billy in Alberta has yet to offer his prediction.

This year’s Groundhog Day festivities in Manitoba have been cancelled following Friday night’s death of their groundhog, Winnipeg Willow.

So according to Shubenacadie Sam, it’s looking like an early spring in this area.