We logged a high of 70 degrees at Clean Currents HQ yesterday . . . the avg. high-temp for February 1st is 40 degrees.  I have a feeling that we don't need an overweight rodent to tell us that something is awry with this winter.  

But there's more to Groundhog Day than the Mayor of Punxsutawney and his furry friend.  The origins of this tradition date back to the Middle Ages where people across Northern Europe celebrated the pagan holiday of Imbolc (also known as Candlemas Day) which was observed at the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.

Superstition held that if the weather on Candlemas Day was fair (ie: clear) then the second half of winter would be stormy and cold.  If the weather was overcast then the second half of winter would be a respite from the Arctic clutches.

In fact, an Olde English saying goes:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

Well here's the Groundhog forecast for Punxsutawney PA - looks like a toss-up for six more weeks of winter . . . better go ahead and get that home energy audit just to be safe.

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