| Updated: 2/02 1:33 pm |
Published: 2/02 1:29 pm
|
Another Groundhog Day is in the books. Funny, Phil said 6 more weeks of winter, but looking around today you wouldn’t even think we were in it now!
Growing up, I paid attention more to Staten Island Chuck. The little guy, housed at the Staten Island Zoo is noted as the official meteorologist of New York City. This year, he contradicted Phil and predicted an early spring.
So… does any of this mean anything?
I’ve been reading posts from fellow meteorologists about how today is regarded as one of their most “dreaded days”. People constantly asking those in my field: “are the predictions true?” “Are we in for the “big one?” “Can I start wearing shorts next weekend?”
See, the thing is, in my eyes, all of this is just a novelty; a tradition in this country that began as part of a Pennsylvanian German custom in the late 1800’s. There is no science behind what the groundhog sees or does. In fact, according to the National Climatic Data Center, the groundhog is only right less than 40% of the time.
Heck- you’d be better off flipping a coin to predict weather than rely on a rodent!
But then, it wouldn’t be as fun. I’ve never been to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, but every year over 40,000 people attend the unveiling of the groundhog and participate in festivities and celebration all day. There’s entertainment, music and lots of food.
My advice for those who were unfamiliar with it all: take it with a grain of salt. Officially this year, the last full day of winter will be March 19th. Even though the weather has been mild, we still need to be a little prepared for what Mother Nature might throw our away between now and then. Remember that, and you’ll be golden.
If you woke up to the radio playing Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe”, this morning—then you might have a problem.
