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Looks like it's going to be an early spring for Ontario

Ontarians, ready your gardening gloves, dust off your bicycles, and bid adieu to winter's icy grip – spring will (hopefully) be on the way soon!
Village Life
groundhog
Photo via Canva

The wait is finally over! Ontario's furriest meteorologist, Wiarton Willie, has predicted an early for spring for the province, much to the delight of snow-weary residents.

Groundhog Day, celebrated annually on February 2nd, is a cherished tradition across North America. According to folklore, if the groundhog catches sight of its shadow, it retreats into its burrow, foretelling six more weeks of wintry weather. Conversely, if the day is overcast and the groundhog remains outdoors, it signifies an imminent arrival of spring.

On Friday morning, Willie made his prediction around 8:07 am (EST), calling for an early spring to a crowd of cheers.

Luckily Willie wasn't alone with his predictions as Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia and Fred la marmotte in Quebec also proclaimed that spring is eagerly making its way to the East Coast.

Even our neighbour to the south, Punxsutawney Phil, called for an early spring. 

Yet, as the snow begins its reluctant thaw in Ontario, not all of Canada rejoices. Manitoba Merv, Manitoba's resident forecaster, saw his shadow, locking down six more weeks of cold on the Prairies.

Lucy the Lobster from Barrington, Nova Scotia, also ventured a dissenting opinion, casting her shadow and predicting "six more weeks of wonderful winter."

And let's not forget about the West Coast. Violet, the venerable Vancouver Island marmot, also predicted six more weeks of winter.

So, Ontarians, ready your gardening gloves, dust off your bicycles, and bid adieu to winter's icy grip – spring will (hopefully) be on the way soon!