Weather experts in Canada — Wiarton Willie — and USA — Punxsutawney Phil — send mixed message about an early spring

For one day people toss out the Environment Canada charts and look to a groundhog to predict the weather.

It’s been said there are many differences between Canadians and Americans.

Groundhogs can now be added into the mix.

In Ontario, Canada’s weather expert Wiarton Willie failed to see his shadow this morning, which bodes well for Canadians as according to tradition, an early spring is on its way.

Ditto for Nova Scotia’s Shubenacadie Sam.

However, south of the border, the news is less pleasant as the USA’s best weatherman Punxsutawney Phil, did see his shadow in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

The Punxsutawney’s handlers noted Phil emerged from his burrow Thursday, they said he was able to see his shadow.

According to legend, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on Groundhog Day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.

But Canadians should not start the spring dance just yet.

The prediction from Canada’s other groundhogs, Alberta’s Balzac Billy and Quebec’s Fred la Marmotte, did not fall in line with their furry cousins.

Balzac saw his shadow in Calgary Thursday morning, meaning winter will last another six weeks.

And what does the old faithful, Farmer’s Almanac say about an early spring?

Forecast for February and March in the Southern Interior of B.C. have temperatures a bit warmer with the colder periods in late February and early March along with plenty of precipitation.

Oh, and April and May, when spring really is supposed to happen?

April and May will be cooler and drier than normal according to the Farmer’s Almanac.