Early spring or six more weeks of winter? Here's what Jimmy the Groundhog predicted
SUN PRAIRIE - Winter isn't going anywhere soon, if Jimmy the Groundhog is to be believed.
Sun Prairie's famous weather-predicting rodent saw his shadow early Thursday during the 75th annual Groundhog Prognostication Event held in Cannery Square in downtown, meaning we're in line for six more weeks of winter, per Groundhog Day tradition.
Jimmy's prognostication was translated for the human ear by Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser, who reminded the crowd that packed downtown of his ability to interpret groundhog-speak before the prediction came in. Other notable non-groundhogs at the event were master of ceremonies WKOW morning anchor Rebecca Ribley and state Rep. Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove), who read a gubernatorial proclamation from Gov. Tony Evers declaring it Groundhog Day in Wisconsin.
More:Can a rodent predict the weather better than a meteorologist can? Groundhog Day, explained.
As usual, there was more fun to be had after the prognostication. Local businesses − such as Beans 'n' Cream Coffeehouse, Sun Prairie Flowers and Wisconsin Apparel Co. − offered Groundhog Day-related deals and products, like a Jimmy latte and Groundhog Day shirts.
In a bit of good news for lovers of warm weather, much of Wisconsin is due to break from the recent low temperatures this weekend. After a frigid Friday, highs in central and northeastern Wisconsin are expected to range from the upper 20s to lower 30s on Saturday and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Green Bay.
This article originally appeared on Marshfield News-Herald: Groundhog Day 2023: See what Sun Prairie's Jimmy predicted this year
