An early Spring predicted as Groundhog Day goes virtual for 2021

Well, it's that time of year again, Groundhog Day (although it has felt that way for most of 2020...) And Canada's beloved groundhogs have predicted an early spring for 2021.

"Groundhog Day celebrates the important role weather plays in our lives and culture", said Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Lands and Forestry.

Canada's best-known weather-predicting groundhogs called for an early spring Tuesday as they delivered their annual forecasts over video due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though one was missing in action.

CKDR Meteorologist Bill Laidlaw says Dryden's Max the Moose didn't see his shadow, so the legend has it that spring is just around the corner, which explains why we are going back into the deep freeze for all of next week.

Marking the 65th year of the tradition, the South Peninsula Mayor Janice Jackson who acted as Willie's interpreter, announced the prediction.

Nova Scotia's most famous groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam, was the first to make his prediction, hesitantly emerging from his pint-sized barn and apparently failing to see his shadow.

If you were hoping for an early spring, you're in luck! "Do storm showers bring spring flowers?" shared Nova Scotia's finest on Twitter.

The message was delivered by Mayor Janice Jackson in a pre-recorded video.

In Wiarton, Ont., the community's famous albino groundhog, Wiarton Willie, was also expected to make an appearance without an in-person audience.