Could Major Mid-West Storm Cancel Groundhog Day 2011?

He’s the nation’s foremost and furriest prognosticator about the chances for more winter weather ahead. 

But this year Punxsutawney Phil has trouble. Old man winter himself is trying to upstage the world’s most famous groundhog.

Wednesday is Groundhog day 2011 and the forecast in Punxsutawney, PA is for a ‘wintry mix’ of snow, sleet & freezing rain with gusty winds and an eventual warm up to 36 degrees. Will it warm up in time for Phil’s annual prediction? Stay tuned Groundhog Day fans, stay tuned. But there is some good news. Read on.

Some Punxsutawney Phil Events Happened Before The Storm

1. Breakfast & photos with Phil (Saturday January 29)
2. The guided tour of ‘Phantastic Phils’ is a walk around town to see all of his statues (Sunday January 30)
3. Groundhog Bingo to win groundhog prizes (very popular, Sunday January 30)
4. 17th annual all groundhog souvenir show (Monday January 31)

This just in: Malverne Mel has cancelled his Groundhog Day 2011 prediction on Long Island, NY because of the major mid-west storm that is now headed east. This makes Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction that much more important! C’mon Phil, we’re counting on you. You can follow the action on Phil’s Facebook page. Surely he could at least do a status update for us, right?

Update:
Punxsutawney Phil made it and he did NOT see his shadow. So he’s calling for an early spring. So is the Oregon Zoo’s African Hedgehog. A thick layer of high clouds passed by just at the right time to prevent that furry forecaster from seeing his shadow.