This cartoon groundhog can probably predict the weather better than Phil can. | Shutterstock

January 31, 2025

In honor of Groundhog Day on Sunday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released a study analyzing the accuracy of the nation’s weather-predicting groundhogs.

Eighteen groundhogs (either alive, dead, mythical or bronzed), along with a tortoise, who have been prognosticating for at least 20 years, were selected for the study. Only two, New York’s “Staten Island Chuck” and Georgia’s “General Beauregard Lee,” came in with a correctness of more than 80%. The infamous Punxsatawney Phil came in at No. 17 with an efficiency of just 35%. I guess this is your typical case of “name over production.” I mean, a statue (75%) and a groundhog that may or may not even be real (65%) came in with far better scores. 

The whole idea that seeing your shadow (on presumably a sunny day) somehow signifies more winter never made sense to me. I did a little research and, shocker, that’s because is based on old tales. So, in the end, is anyone really right? 

Now, I predict five RTO Insider energy stories in your near future.

From everyone at RTO Insider, thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your day! Also, be sure to check out our latest news from NetZero Insider below! 

Shawn McFarland 

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