With Groundhog Day less than two weeks away, it's almost time for Balzac Billy to see if we're getting another six weeks of winter.
The groundhog is a mascot that serves as the "Prairie Prognosticator", the only Groundhog Day mascot in western Canada.
The legend of Groundhog Day states that if Balzac Billy sees his shadow, it means that winter continues for another six weeks. If he doesn't see his shadow, it means there will be an early spring.
In the last decade, Balzac Billy's predictions have leaned towards an early spring rather than more winter.
Here are Balzac Billy's prognostications for the last decade:
- 2024 - More winter.
- 2023 - Early spring.
- 2022 - More winter.
- 2021 - More winter.
- 2020 - Early spring.
- 2019 - Early spring.
- 2018 - Early spring.
- 2017 - More winter.
- 2016 - Early spring.
- 2015 - Early spring.
According to the Farmers' Almanac, they expect a slow spring start with cold weather and strong winds.
Balzac Billy has been predicting the spring in Alberta since the late 1970s. Balzac is located eight kilometres north of Calgary.