This morning marked that magical moment when Punxsutawney Phil emerges from Gobbler’s Knob to deliver good news … or bad.
Yes, Groundhog Day 2018 is upon us, and the forecast – from the Weather Capitol of the World, a.k.a. Punxsutawney, Pa. – is here.
Will we have to endure six more weeks of snow, wind, ice and other winter “fun” or will is early spring reprieve just around the bend?
Only Punxsy Phil and his shadow can say with certainty. And he has done so, just moments ago in the heart of Western Pennsylvania.
Laying the weather smack down on us all as he’s done for the last 120 years, the legendary rodent’s verdict is official:
SHADOW! Winter will continue for a month and a half!
Punxsy Phil, who emerged from his burrow moments ago to find the chilly conditions just bright enough to see his shadow, has spoken.
According to folklore, this is everything we need to know.
The appearance of Phil’s shadow, now sighted a whopping 103 times since 1887, means winter will carry on as per usual in North America.
When Phil does not peep that s–t, spring comes early.
Such was not the case today, as the prognosticator “told” this to the president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Bill Deeley, at 7:22 a.m.
As to whether scientists agree? History, and sophisticated National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration models, aren’t certain.
The accuracy of the venerable, meteorologically inclined rodent’s decree is secondary, of course, to the meaning of Groundhog Day.
Which is … we have no f–king clue TBH.
It’s basically just a fun, pointless reason to get out there one winter day and appreciate the power, mystery and majesty of nature.
Or just Bill Murray Groundhog Day quotes.
How can you not? Also, fun fact for y’all: 2/2 marks the exact mid-point of winter, between the winter solstice and spring equinox.
Basically, either way, spring will get here eventually. February is a short month and the days are already getting longer, so there’s that.
All hope is not lost, America. Not forever.
We know that the prospect of a long winter isn’t much to get excited about, but the spirit of this country is not one to give up.
Hang in there, America. Hang in there.