How does the groundhog know when to come out?
According to tradition, if a groundhog comes out of its hole on this day and sees its shadow, it gets scared and runs back into its burrow, predicting six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early spring.
Does the groundhog really predict spring?
According to the Groundhog Club’s records, the various incarnations of Punxsutawney Phil have predicted 104 forecasts of more winter and 20 early springs. “Out of the 15 times that he didn’t see his shadow and predicted an early spring, he got it right seven times. That’s a 47% accuracy rate,” he said at the time.
What happens if Groundhog doesn’t see shadow?
According to the legend: If Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. That’s how the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club describes the Feb. 2 tradition, marking the midway point of winter.
How correct is the groundhog?
Since 1887, STORMFAX showed that Phil had an accurate long range forecast only about 39% of the time. According to NOAA, Phil’s accuracy over the last 10 years is looking better at 50%. Just looking ahead to the next two weeks, it looks like Phil’s prediction might be right.
How many times has the groundhog been right and wrong?
While the hope of an early spring seems to be the primary excitement behind the Groundhog Day traditions, it turns out that Punxsutawney Phil has only made that prediction (not seeing his shadow) less than two dozen times.
Which groundhog is more accurate?
Punxsutawney Phil
Did the woodchuck see his shadow?
The nation’s foremost marmot weather expert saw his shadow Tuesday morning after scurrying out of a burrow at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney. As the legend goes, that means the country can expect below-average temperatures for the next six weeks.
Is Punxsutawney Phil a boy or girl?
The most famous groundhog in “the business” is Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania. He’s supposedly male, but he’s also supposedly been around since the 19th century.
How old can a groundhog live?
six years