The Groundhog Day Predictions For 2023 In Canada Are Out & The Forecast Is Complicated

It’s February 2nd, which means today is the day that a select few marmots in Canada are asked about the spring weather forecast.

And it looks like not all of Canada’s famous groundhogs are seeing eye-to-eye on the results for Groundhog Day 2023.

What is Groundhog Day in Canada?

Groundhog Day is a folkloric holiday celebrated across North America, including Canada, that provides a less than scientific way to predict how many weeks of winter we will have.

Every year a marmot emerges from its den and when it sees its shadow we can expect six more weeks of cold weather.

If it doesn’t see, is it a shadow? Well, spring is coming sooner rather than later.

And Canada has a few groundhogs that are consulted for weather across the country. There’s one in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta, and each has their own weather “predictions.”

Have the marmots in Canada seen their shadow in 2023?

\u201cIt’s official! That’s a confirmed shade! Get ready for 6 more weeks of winter, don’t put away your hat and gloves just yet. #ShubieSam #GroundhogDay2023 #LongWinter\u201d

— Shubenacadie Sam (@Shubenacadie Sam)
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Well that depends on where you live in Canada.

The first prognosis published in Canada was by Shubenacadie Sam of Nova Scotia.

This little guy saw its shadow, that means another six weeks of winter!

However, not all other famous groundhogs across Canada agree with him.

Fred La Marmotte

It is perhaps one of the sad results today.

Instead of announcing whether or not the groundhog saw its shadow, organizers of the event announced that Quebec’s groundhog Fred La Marmotte died during hibernation, Global News says.

Despite the sad news, there was a prediction from a committee of volunteer children. And her verdict was that spring will come late this year.

Wiarton Willie

In Ontario, the most important groundhog for weather forecasting is Wiarton Willie, who lives in Wiarton, Ontario.

According to CTV News Toronto, Willie is at odds with his peers.

He has reportedly not seen his shadow, meaning Canada is in for an early spring.

So there is a glimmer of hope for those looking forward to warm weather.

Manitoba Merv

\u201cManitoba Merv saw his shadow this morning. We still have six weeks of winter for Manitoba!\u201d

— Oak Hammock Marsh (@Oak Hammock Marsh)
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Over in Manitoba, there’s bad news for those hoping for nice weather.

The groundhog — which is actually a sock puppet and not a real animal — in Oak Hammock Marsh, Manitoba, saw its shadow, which is further proof that winter is here to stay a little longer.

Balzac Billy

This Alberta groundhog is not a groundhog at all, but a man in a groundhog costume.

And according to The Weather Network, the man in groundhog clothing has announced that he hasn’t seen his shadow, meaning there will be an early spring. It’s the only “groundhog” that Ontario’s Wiarton Willie agrees with.

Of course, burrowing rodents aren’t the only way to predict Canada’s upcoming weather.

Canada’s spring forecast is out right now, predicting a “turbulent transition” to warmth.

Get ready Canada!