groundhog peeking out of it's holeToday is Groundhog Day and like the thousands of people gathered at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, I’m eager to hear if Phil sees his shadow.

According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he doesn’t see his shadow, there will be an early spring. I know it’s just a legend, but like winning the lottery, I dream that he’ll emerge from his burrow, not see his shadow and spring weather will be just around the corner.

Groundhog Day has its origins in an ancient celebration of a point mid-way between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. These days it’s still fun to observe tradition, but I prefer to turn to the National Weather Service for weather forecasts. I’m a native Pennsylvanian, so I’ll always have a soft spot for Phil the cuddly groundhog. But when it comes to weather forecasts, I look to the scientists with the climatic data.

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