Wiarton Willie predicts 6 more weeks of winter

Sorry folks — if Wiarton Willie is to be believed, we're in for some more wintry weather.

That prognostication certainly holds true on this Groundhog Day, with a snowstorm set to hit northeastern Ontario this evening.

According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then spring will come early; if it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will persist for six more weeks.

“Well, for those hoping for 6 more weeks of winter...you've got your wish. I saw my shadow,” Wiarton, Ont.'s groundhog, Wiarton Willie, tweeted this morning.

However, two other furry prognosticators — Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam and Philadelphia's Punxsutawney Phil — both predicted an early spring

Tragically, another Canadian groundhog, Winnipeg Willow, never got to make her prediction this year — she died Friday night, just days before Groundhog Day.

Northern Life wonders: If Greater Sudbury had its own prognosticating rodent, what do you suppose its name would be? Let us know in the comments below.