Happy Groundhog Day!

Do you like the cold? Then be happy. This Tuesday, a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil predicted that the cold will last for another six weeks and spring will not arrive early this year.But what’s this story about a groundhog making weather predictions?The Groundhog Day celebrated on February 2 is when we ask a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil if we will have six more weeks of winter. Every year, on this day, people gather at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to await the rodent’s prediction.Originating from German settlers who came to Pennsylvania in the 1700s and brought their superstitions with them, the legend says that if Phil sees his shadow on February 2, the cold of winter will continue. If the weather is cloudy and he does not see his shadow, we can expect warmer temperatures and an early start to spring.This Tuesday, Phil saw his shadow, which, according to tradition, means we will have six more weeks of winter.However, Phil’s predictions are not perfect. “On average, Phil has been right 40% of the time over the last 10 years,” according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.Phil has been predicting the seasons since 1886. And although they are not very accurate, his predictions continue to be taken seriously. After all, what matters is tradition.The Numbers of Groundhog Day40,000 – The number of people who attend the Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania1886 – The year the first Groundhog Day was held in Punxsutawney39% – The percentage of Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions that are accurate1993 – The year the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ was released247365 – Text ‘Groundhog’ to this number to receive text message alerts about Phil’s predictions.