Most people see February 2, Groundhog Day, as winter's half-way point. According to tradition, if it's a cloudy day and the groundhog doesn't see its shadow than an early spring is in the forecast. 2017 predictions may match satellite models"I don't think, deep down, they believe that a smelly old groundhog could actually forecast the weather," Phillips said. An Environment Canada study found Groundhog Day groundhogs are actually poor prognosticators — correctly anticipating the length of the season about 37 per cent of the time. "Truth be known, the groundhog doesn't emerge—they're coaxed out of their den," Phillips said.

Source: CBC News February 02, 2017 10:00 UTC