The most famous of rodent prognosticators Punxatawney Phil, and Wiarton Willie, were divided in their weather predictions this Groundhog Day.
Phil predicted an early Spring while Willie predicted six more weeks of winter.
Meanwhile, on Vancouver Island, the Marmot Recovery Foundation awoke two marmots from hibernation atop Most Washington, for their predictions.
Chopper and Marlow, grunted loudly then nestled back into the straw.
“It is a growl,” said Adam Taylor of the Marmot Recovery Foundation. “And I’m not sure if the translation would be allowed on TV.”
Though, according to Taylor, it looked like six more weeks of winter to him.
Environment Canada Meteorologist Armel Castellan agreed, and forecasted a colder winter ahead, keeping with the La Nina weather pattern.
“I would say February has a pretty certain chance of seeing below normal temperatures,” said Environment Canada Meteorologist Armel Castellan.
“With that back door chance of seeing snow events right down to sea level,” he said.
So Chopper and Marlow are expected to go back into hibernation until April or May, and Larsson’s lambs will keep wearing their coats, along with the many more on the way.
Skye Ryan
