The US state's tradition of using a large rodent to predict the seasons dates back to the Pennsylvania Dutch belief that if a groundhog left its burrow and saw its shadow, it would scurry back inside and winter would go on for six more weeks.
cientists have cast doubt on the reliability of America's most celebrated rodent forecaster, whose apparent knack of predicting how long winter will last forms a hallowed tradition in the United States.
Punxsutawney Phil, made famous by the 1993 film Groundhog Day, attracts thousands of onlookers every Feb. 2 to the Pennsylvania town that he takes his name from.
The US state's tradition of using a large rodent to predict the seasons dates back to the Pennsylvania Dutch belief that if a groundhog left its burrow and saw its shadow, it would scurry back inside and winter would go on for six more weeks.
But professional forecasters have warned ahead of Phil's appearance this Sunday that his prediction is likely to be way off the mark.
The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has concluded that only 35 percent of Phil's forecasts have proved to be accurate, placing him at a lowly 17th compared to other rodent forecasters.
Staten Island Chuck, a New York-based groundhog, tops the rankings with an impressive 85 percent accuracy rate on his forecasts.
Phil and his predecessors, also called Phil, have been forecasting since 1887.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.