On February 2, 2025, Groundhog Day brought its usual excitement, and Georgia’s very own General Beauregard Lee made his highly anticipated prediction. As expected, the furry weather forecaster confirmed that we are in for six more weeks of winter.
Beauregard Lee: Georgia’s Weather Predictor
While most of the country turns to Punxsutawney Phil for a forecast, Georgia has General Beauregard Lee, who has been making predictions since 1981. And according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Lee is no amateur. In fact, he ranks as the second most reliable weather-predicting critter in the U.S., with an impressive accuracy rate of 80%.
At 7:30 a.m. on Groundhog Day, Lee was up and about at the Dauset Trails Nature Center, ready to share his forecast. As the crowd watched, Lee stepped outside his cozy little mansion, and, as per tradition, he saw his shadow. This means we can expect six more weeks of winter, so it looks like the chill isn’t leaving anytime soon.
The Tradition of Groundhog Day
The tradition of Groundhog Day dates back to the late 19th century, but its origins go even further back to Celtic culture. Ancient people would observe the behavior of animals like bears emerging from hibernation as a way to predict the weather. However, it was the Pennsylvania Germans who embraced the idea of using groundhogs to forecast spring, and that’s how the modern celebration came to be.
What Does the Shadow Mean?
As legend has it, if the groundhog sees its shadow on Groundhog Day, we are in for six more weeks of winter. On the other hand, if the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, it’s a sign that spring will arrive early. This year, Lee’s shadow confirmed the extended winter, keeping us bundled up for a bit longer.
So, despite the hopes for an early spring, it seems like winter is sticking around for now. We’ll just have to wait for six more weeks to see if Beauregard Lee’s prediction rings true!
