More winter or early spring? Groundhogs’ verdict

In this photo from MPP Bill Walker's Twitter account, Walker confers with the new Wiarton Willie on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 ahead of his prediction for an early spring. Willie would later see his shadow, signalling six more weeks of winter. (Twitter/@billwalkermpp via Newswatch Group)

WIARTON, Ont. – There’s a mixed message on Groundhog Day whether we will see six more weeks of winter, according to three prognosticating rodents – but the majority of them say, more winter to come.

The new Wiarton Willie (the previous Willie died last year) came out of this burrow this morning and did see his shadow, meaning there will be six more weeks of winter.

On the East Coast, Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam did not see his shadow, forecasting an early spring.

In the U.S., Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania did see his shadow.

Either way – check the calendar. The Feb. 2 event, meant to get people into the spirit of the upcoming season and the end of winter, is a little less than six weeks away from the first official day of spring (Mar. 20).