Do you have the feeling that the same day repeats itself, over and over again, as if it never ended? You've probably already seen the movie Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray, in which the main character is condemned to relive the same day, Groundhog Day, for years.
Groundhog Day falls on February 2 ( Candlemas Day) and is celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, USA. This tradition stipulates that, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and doesn't see its shadow, then winter will soon be over. But if he does see his shadow, spring won't arrive for another six weeks.
For many, this groundhog story was an amusing anecdote from the film directed by Harold Ramis. And yet, this tradition is very real! Once again this year, the townspeople, the curious and the Groundhog Club committee gathered in front of Phil' s burrow to discover his predictions. And on that cold February morning, the animal accomplished his mission...
According to Phil, the groundhog in the spotlight on February 2, 2024, winter should soon be over, and spring will be early this year. The famous groundhog couldn't see his shadow when he came out of his burrow, and tradition dictates that winter will soon come to an end, giving way to spring. But where does this interpretation come from?
The Weather Channel explains what lies behind this belief. " Sunny weather in winter often indicates anticyclonic conditions that can clear the skies. A dry cold then sets in, and if the nights remain clear, the air cools further through nocturnal radiation. Temperatures drop accordingly, and frosts form. These are the perfect conditions for the groundhog to see its shadow and get cold too! "
However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( the US agency responsible for studying the ocean and atmosphere), Phil isn't a very successful oracle: over the last 10 years, the groundhog has been right around 40% of the time.
Skeptics will doubt a groundhog's knowledge and meteorological skills. But others will be carried away by the joy and good-natured atmosphere of this unique celebration. Next shock report: who puts chocolate in tinfoil?
Weather in Paris and Ile-de-France this Thursday November 21, 2024 and tomorrow
What's the weather like right now in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? Check the weather forecast every day before planning your outings. Whether it's rain, snow or sunshine, cold or hot, fair or foul, the capital belongs to you! Here's your weather forecast for Paris and Île-de-France this Thursday November 21, 2024 [Read more]
Weather in Paris and Ile-de-France this Thursday November 21, 2024 and tomorrow
