Weather predictions and stuff

This morning: Slightly before sunrise

“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor’s warning”

I usually don’t give Groundhog Day much of a thought. Here in the U.S., Groundhog Day, February 2nd, is the day when Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog and official weather prognosticator, gives his official forecast as to the remaining length of winter. Will we be from winter’s grasp early or will winter hang on for 6 more weeks. If it is a sunny day and Phil sees his shadow, that means 6 more weeks; however, should the mid-winter point bring a cloudy day and Phil doesn’t see his shadow, all is well. Phil’s prediction this year: 6 more weeks of cold, hard, winter.

I didn’t realize that this tradition is practiced in several places around the world, such as Germany, England, and Scotland. To my knowledge, we are the only ones who use a groundhog, though. Here’s a history, if you are interested. In Germany, it’s called Candlemas Day.

Well, I think that Phil is wrong again this year. At least he’s starting out pretty badly. Yesterday, here in Charlotte, it was a nice, sunny 75 degrees. Today calls for mostly sunny and 71. Oh well, Phil, can’t win them all! It did look like he could have been right, as the first couple of days after Feb 2nd, things were cold indeed. We had some morning temperatures in the upper teens! 17, 18, 19 degrees Fahrenheit! Brrr.

Phil’s skill as a prognosticator, it should be mentioned, are limited. His success rate is only 39%, but that may not be too bad, especially when you’re looking 6 weeks out. Perhaps he’s better than the local weather men who have computer models, satellite imagery, etc. and still only manage to get it right about 1/2 of the time even 2 days out, let alone 6 weeks!

I really like these old wives’ tales and traditions.