New Yorkers will soon look to an unlikely source for their long-range weather forecast: a groundhog.
Groundhog Day, held every Feb. 2, has been a staple of American folklore since 1886, when Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, hosted the first recorded ceremony.
What happens when a groundhog sees its shadow?
According to tradition, if the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will last for six more weeks; if no shadow appears, spring will arrive early. Over the decades, dozens of groundhogs – and even a few alternative weather-predicting animals – have joined the annual forecasting festivities.
About 84% of the time, Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, indicating more winter. If you’d prefer your winter forecast to come from a more northern woodchuck, you can look to Charles G. Hogg also known as “Staten Island Chuck.”
How accurate is Groundhog Day?
While many groundhogs make predictions, few can match Staten Island Chuck’s track record. Chuck resides at the Staten Island Zoo, where he has been forecasting the weather since 1981. Over the past two decades, Chuck has achieved an 85% accuracy rate, placing him ahead of all other U.S. groundhogs…