Monday marks the 123rd anniversary of the old weather forecasting myth better known as Groundhog Day. February 2nd is viewed as a small holiday for the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania where crowds have reached over 30,000 people. In the past, people gathered to watch for the groundhog retreat out of a hole in the ground. The old myth says if the groundhog comes out of his hole and it is cloudy outside, winter will soon be over. If the groundhog appears however and sees his shadow as a result of sunny skies, the groundhog will retreat back into its hole and winter will continue for 6 more weeks. Needless to say, the groundhog in Pennsylvania known as Punxsutawney Phil will likely not accurately determine if an early spring is near or if we are in store for 6 more weeks of blustery winter conditions; although he has been credited with accurately forecasting in the past.
A little closer to home on Groundhog Day the weather seems to be more reminiscent of spring like conditions in Tuscaloosa with milder conditions throughout the week. Will we be in for 6 more weeks of winter? Be sure to check out Richard’s forecast to see if it will be cloudy or sunny for Groundhog Day. Have a great evening!
Chase Higginbotham
WVUA Weather
