Wednesday February 2, 2011 marks the 125th anniversary of Punxsutawney Phil forecasting the future of weather, and this year he will be doing so amid a winter storm that is blanketing the nation.
Nationwide, the snow and ice has been surprising with some areas receiving record amounts this year. Frigid temperatures have blanketed much of the nation with the usually warm southern states dipping below 30 degrees and the midwest and northeast seeing temperatures well below zero.
Given the weather and the fact that those who see very little snow have been hammered by repeated snowstorms, people are eagerly awaiting the prediction by Punxsutawney Phil tomorrow. There is hope nationwide that Phil will not see his shadow this year.
According to folklore that has been a tradition for the past 125 years, when Phil emerges if he sees his shadow it signifies six more weeks of winter. Failure to see his shadow means spring is on its way.
Punxsutawney officials say that the celebration will continue tomorrow despite warnings of a severe winter storm that is covering much of the nation with extreme snow and ice. As Phil braves the cold to come out, people will hold their breath in anticipation that this could be the sign they need that spring is indeed on its way.
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