The tradition of Groundhog Day dates to the 1800s when German immigrants in America continued their tradition of a weather-predicting hedgehog on Candlemas Day (February 2). Since there were no hedgehogs in North America, the similarly inclined burrowing groundhog (aka woodchuck) was drafted into service.
The reason for the tradition lies in the winter weather in northeastern U.S. Sunny skies in winter means cold temperatures. If the groundhog finds sunshine on February 2nd, it means winter is still in progress. However, if it’s cloudy, then moderate spring weather is already underway. Statistics show that Phil is right less than half the time. But it’s harmless fun in the dark, cold days of winter.
Groundhog in a field of grass and clover – Depositphotos.com
Who is Punxsutawney Phil?
Since 1886, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has promoted the celebration of Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob, which is a couple of miles outside of town. The local groundhog, known as “Punxsutawney Phil,” has a lair in a little clearing at the top of a wooded hill. Other towns around the nation host Groundhog Day events with a local mammal celebrity. But PA Phil gets the most national press.
Other traditional fun far and near includes screening of the film “Groundhog Day” (1993, PG) with Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. Bill Murray plays a satirical newsman who relives February 2 over and over again while in Punxsutawney, PA for the annual celebration. Check your local library for a copy. You can also rent it on Amazon Prime, Apple iTunes, and Vudu. Or see it locally on the big screen (check our calendar list below),
Realistically, the same prediction doesn’t work for the Pacific Northwest. Our weather patterns are entirely different. And further, there are no groundhogs west of the Rocky Mountains. So, we have to rely on another varmint, such as moles, mountain beavers, or gophers. Local traditions include Snohomish GroundFrog Day | Facebook and Rufus the Discovery Park mountain beaver via Q13 Fox News.
So, what’s our prediction for this year? More winter or an early spring?
Since there are no groundhogs in the Pacific Northwest, we could turn to the wild gopher for a prediction on the timing of spring. Or just look outside. Image: Depositphotos.com
2024 Groundhog Day in the Puget Sound region
On Groundhog Day, Seattle, WA | AccuWeather is expected to be cloudy with morning rain or snow followed showers in the afternoon. Further, the 60-Day Extended Weather Forecast for Seattle, WA | Almanac.com states that Feb 1-6 will be mild and rainy. Whatever happens, we can look forward to spring flowers, including the March Daffodil festival in La Conner WA, the April Tacoma Daffodil Parades, and the March-April cherry blossom trees.
Saturday, January 227 10 am to 1 pm. Snohomish GroundFrog Day Celebration at Snohomish Aquatic Center. Free fun for the whole family. Free kids’ games and activities. Enter the Lazy River Frog Race ($5 entry fee-proceeds benefit the Swim-For-Life program). More info: Snohomish GroundFrog Day | Facebook
Check for any special screenings of the movie “Groundhog Day” on Our big list of movie theaters & discount tickets (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
Upcoming holidays & observances
Listed below are federal holidays and other observances.
Snohomish Aquatic Center, 516 Maple Ave, Snohomish, WA 98290
