Groundhog Foreshadows Early Spring
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil, possibly the world’s most famous forecaster, failed to see his shadow as he was hauled from a man-made burrow Thursday, indicating--according to legend--that winter is almost over.
A crowd of about 7,000 cheered loudly as the announcement of the groundhog’s prediction was made under overcast, chilly skies.
It is only the 10th or 11th time since 1887 that the groundhog, whose forecasts are actually determined in advance by members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, has predicted an early spring, depending on whose count you believe. The last time was in 1990.
The National Weather Service near Pittsburgh also forecast above-normal temperatures for the next few weeks, in keeping with the relatively mild trend this winter.
“We haven’t had winter yet. Spring feels like it’s already here,” said meteorologist Bob Reed.
The Groundhog Day tradition is based on a German superstition that an animal casting its shadow Feb. 2 is an indication of bad weather to come.
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