Raise your hand if you’re ready for spring! Most New York State residents have been dealing with bitterly cold windchill for the past couple of weeks. There doesn’t seem to be much relief in sight, as temperatures won’t climb much above the 20-degree mark for a few more days. However, a big event is coming up to kick off a new week and a brand-new month, and many of us will be watching closely.
Extreme Cold Has Disrupted Daily Life Across New York
Because of the extreme cold we’ve been experiencing, many things have been canceled, delayed, or rescheduled. In Buffalo, trash pickup was even postponed due to the brutally cold temperatures crews were facing. Remote learning days, delays, and cancellations have all been part of the school year so far for many families across New York State.
But there might be a little hope on the horizon as we wait to see what happens during the annual appearance of the groundhog.
What Does Groundhog Day Actually Mean?
It’s true that the groundhog has been “predicting” the timing of spring for generations. But how many people actually know that Groundhog Day is not an official holiday?
It’s something we learn about as early as kindergarten. My son Gus, who is in kindergarten, recently came home and explained in detail what happens if the groundhog sees his shadow , and what it means if he doesn’t. Even after his explanation, and after 48 years on this planet, I still don’t completely understand what the shadow really means for our weather.
Not a Holiday, But It Sure Feels Like One
As much fun as we have with Groundhog Day at home and on the radio, it’s important to remember that it’s not officially a day off. However, if you watch coverage on TV as the groundhog makes his appearance in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, you might think it is a holiday.
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For people in that town, it definitely feels like one. There was even a famous movie centered around Groundhog Day and how big of a celebration it can be.
Groundhogs Across the United States Join the Fun
While Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania gets most of the attention, there are groundhogs with different names all across the United States making their own “predictions.”
Groundhog Day is fun and gives us something to look forward to during a long New York winter. It breaks up the season and gives families something lighthearted to talk about during a stretch of cold, gray days.
Fingers Crossed for an Early Spring in New York
Hopefully, the outcome of the groundhog’s appearance points toward an early spring. Many of us are getting a little tired of the cold and what feels like endless snowfall.
Fingers crossed that warmer temperatures and melting snow are just around the corner.
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