CHICAGO (CBS) — Woodstock Willie has once again predicted an early spring Sunday morning during the 2025 Groundhog Day celebration in northwest suburban Woodstock.
A large crowd gathered to see if they would need to hold onto their coats for a few more weeks or start getting their spring clothes.
The annual event took place at the site of the iconic movie Groundhog Day, which starred Bill Murray.
Last year, Willie also predicted an early spring.
Willie’s prediction is opposite Punxsutawney Phil, who predicted six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow at Gobbler’s Knob.
Jeramie Bizzle is a web producer for CBS Chicago. Jeramie began working with CBS Chicago as an intern in 2017 and returned as a full-time Web Producer in 2021. He has previously written for the Austin Weekly Newspaper, OakPark.com and Sportskeeda.
Woodstock Willie, the beloved groundhog from Woodstock, Illinois, did not see his shadow this morning on Groundhog Day, February 2nd. This means that according to folklore, we can expect an early spring this year.
The tradition of Groundhog Day dates back to ancient European weather lore, where it was believed that if a groundhog emerged from its burrow and saw its shadow, there would be six more weeks of winter. If it did not see its shadow, an early spring was predicted.
Woodstock Willie, who has been making weather predictions for over 30 years, delighted the crowd gathered to see him this morning when he did not see his shadow. This news has brought joy to many who are tired of the cold winter weather and are ready for warmer days ahead.
So, let’s celebrate this good news and start looking forward to an early spring! Thank you, Woodstock Willie, for bringing us this hopeful forecast. #WoodstockWillie #EarlySpring #GroundhogDay
Tags:
Woodstock Willie, Groundhog Day, early spring prediction, weather forecast, Woodstock Illinois, shadow sighting, springtime prediction, seasonal outlook, weather prediction, Groundhog Day tradition
Leave a Reply