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Tag: Wisconsin

  • Planets on parade: Rare 6 planets line up in the sky

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    Coming up on the last evening of February, Mother Nature will treat us to another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.” 

    What You Need To Know

    • Six planets will align on the evening of Feb. 28

    • Planets lining up happens a couples times per year

    • Two of the six planets can only be seen through binoculars or a small telescope


    It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form a fairly straight line in the early evening sky. However, Spectrum News Space Expert Anthony Leone says it’s all about perspective. “In reality (and out in space), they are not lined up. It only appears that way to us.”

    This ‘parade’ is unique because six planets (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) will align. He recommends looking west to southwest 30 to 60 minutes after sunset and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. The earlier the better, as Mercury will dip below the horizon not long after sunset. Jupiter will appear as a bright star to the east of the waxing gibbous moon.

    And make sure you bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars,” Leone says. “The more distant planets like Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to view.”

    Adding, “Free astronomy apps like ‘Sky Guide,’ ‘Planets’ and ‘SkyPortal’ are great at helping people see when and where the planets will rise.” 

     

    How frequently does this event occur?

    “Believe it or not, planet alignments are not too rare, and they happen a couple of times each year. It just depends on how many planets will be in alignment for a parade,” explains Leone. 

    If the weather doesn’t permit you to view this February, there will be another opportunity in August. The next one will be Aug. 12 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.

    Happy viewing everyone!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Scott Dean

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  • Planets on parade: Rare 6 planets line up in the sky

    [ad_1]

    Coming up on the last evening of February, Mother Nature will treat us to another astronomical phenomenon known as “planets on parade.” 

    What You Need To Know

    • Six planets will align on the evening of Feb. 28

    • Planets lining up happens a couples times per year

    • Two of the six planets can only be seen through binoculars or a small telescope


    It’s nicknamed as such because several planets appear to form a fairly straight line in the early evening sky. However, Spectrum News Space Expert Anthony Leone says it’s all about perspective. “In reality (and out in space), they are not lined up. It only appears that way to us.”

    This ‘parade’ is unique because six planets (Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) will align. He recommends looking west to southwest 30 to 60 minutes after sunset and finding a location with minimal light pollution for optimal viewing. The earlier the better, as Mercury will dip below the horizon not long after sunset. Jupiter will appear as a bright star to the east of the waxing gibbous moon.

    And make sure you bring binoculars or a telescope. “With the naked eye, you can see planets Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as stars,” Leone says. “The more distant planets like Uranus and Neptune will need binoculars or a telescope to view.”

    Adding, “Free astronomy apps like ‘Sky Guide,’ ‘Planets’ and ‘SkyPortal’ are great at helping people see when and where the planets will rise.” 

     

    How frequently does this event occur?

    “Believe it or not, planet alignments are not too rare, and they happen a couple of times each year. It just depends on how many planets will be in alignment for a parade,” explains Leone. 

    If the weather doesn’t permit you to view this February, there will be another opportunity in August. The next one will be Aug. 12 with Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all aligning.

    Happy viewing everyone!

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Scott Dean

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  • Selma-to-Montgomery march

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    Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965

    • It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South

    • Heavy rain soaked the protesters


    What was the Selma to Montgomery March?

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.

    It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.

    On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.

    In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.

    Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)

    The beginning of the march

    The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.

    Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.

    On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.

    On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.

    A big win for racial equality

    After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.

    Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.

    The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

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  • Selma-to-Montgomery march

    [ad_1]

    Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965

    • It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South

    • Heavy rain soaked the protesters


    What was the Selma to Montgomery March?

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.

    It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.

    On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.

    In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.

    Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)

    The beginning of the march

    The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.

    Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.

    On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.

    On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.

    A big win for racial equality

    After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.

    Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.

    The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

    Source link

  • Selma-to-Montgomery march

    [ad_1]

    Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965

    • It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South

    • Heavy rain soaked the protesters


    What was the Selma to Montgomery March?

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.

    It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.

    On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.

    In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.

    Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)

    The beginning of the march

    The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.

    Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.

    On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.

    On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.

    A big win for racial equality

    After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.

    Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.

    The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

    Source link

  • Selma-to-Montgomery march

    [ad_1]

    Amid one of the most difficult eras in American history, the weather in the Southeast did nothing to ease the ongoing fight for justice.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama occurred in 1965

    • It was an effort to register more Black voters in the South

    • Heavy rain soaked the protesters


    What was the Selma to Montgomery March?

    The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark achievement that ended segregation in public spaces and prohibited employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or sex.

    It helped strengthen the voting rights of African Americans in the South, but even so, many southern states continued to deny African Americans their right to vote.

    On Feb. 18, 1965, a peaceful protest for voting rights in Marion, Ala. turned deadly when white segregationists attacked the group. An Alabama state trooper shot an African American protester, Jimmie Lee Jackson.

    In response, Martin Luther King Jr. organized a march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. to draw greater attention to the injustices faced by the Black community and to advance their voting rights.

    Dr. Martin Luther Jr. hops over a puddle as it rains in Selma, Ala., March 1, 1965. King led hundreds of African Americans to the court house in a voter registration drive. At front is civil rights worker Andrew Young, and at right, behind King is Rev. Ralph Abernathy. (AP Photo)

    The beginning of the march

    The event began on March 1, 1965, with a voter registration drive. Pouring rain soaked the supporters and led to ponding on the roadways and sidewalks.

    Even these miserable conditions couldn’t halt the movement. Thousands of people prepared for the journey with raincoats, umbrellas, and rain boots, laying the foundation for one of the most important marches of the civil rights movement.

    On March 7, the march from Selma to Montgomery began and ultimately stretched over more than two weeks. State troopers and segregationists repeatedly tried to stop the protesters, causing several interruptions along the way.

    On March 15, President Lyndon B. Johnson voiced his support for the march, and military personnel then led the protesters the rest of the way, culminating in the march’s completion on March 25.

    A big win for racial equality

    After all of their hard work, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It guaranteed the right to vote for all African Americans in every state.

    Southern states could no longer use literacy tests to stop African Americans from voting.

    The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is one of the greatest pieces of civil rights legislation in American history. It provided another way for the voice of the Black community to be heard.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

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  • Wisconsin Lawmakers Advance Tribal-Led Online Sports Betting Plan

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    Momentum is building in Wisconsin around a proposal that could reshape the state’s sports betting landscape. The State Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 601, which would allow residents to place bets online or through mobile devices, provided those wagers are processed through servers located on tribal land. While the bill will advance to the Senate, its future remains uncertain.

    The Bill Takes Inspiration from Florida

    Currently, it is illegal to bet on sports at locations outside tribal casinos. Placing a wager anywhere outside a gaming property, even online, could lead to fines. AB 601 attempts to circumvent this issue by drawing a technical distinction: if a bet is routed through infrastructure physically located on sovereign tribal territory and covered under a gaming compact, it would be allowed.

    This solution draws inspiration from other states. Under Florida’s framework, mobile bets are treated as if they occur on tribal land because that is where the servers are located. Any person in the state can thus freely engage with these offerings online, regardless of their location within the state. Courts have so far accepted this solution.

    Supporters of the Wisconsin bill argue that the current legal framework fails to reflect modern market realities. Residents regularly wager online through offshore platforms that operate without proper regulatory control and do not contribute taxes. Legalizing mobile wagering could help protect consumers while opening a new revenue stream for tribal governments and the state.

    Commercial Operators Remain Skeptical

    Native American leaders strongly support this proposal, describing it as a way to support essential services and reduce long-term reliance on traditional casino traffic. Governor Tony Evers has also signaled he would not stand in the way of a proposal that expands tribal gaming rights, a stance that could prove decisive if the Senate passes the bill.

    However, not everyone is convinced. The Sports Betting Alliance, which represents commercial sportsbook operators, has expressed concerns that a tribal-only structure would disadvantage national sportsbook brands. FanDuel and DraftKings have expressed worries that a requirement to partner with tribal operators to enter the market could limit their ability to compete.

    Despite mounting support, Assembly Bill 601 must still overcome significant challenges. Senate approval is far from guaranteed, and any changes to tribal gaming compacts would need to pass federal review by the US Department of the Interior before mobile wagering could launch. Even so, supporters see the bill as a necessary step to keep Wisconsin sports betting aligned with market realities.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Mae C. Jemison: The first African American woman in space

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    Becoming an astronaut is challenging, yet one woman defied the odds to become the first African American woman in space.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jemison wanted to study science from an early age

    • She first studied medicine before starting a career at NASA

    • She went to space in Sept. 1992

    • After NASA, she accomplished many more things


    Early life accomplishments

    Born in the 1950s, Mae C. Jemison refused to let anything stop her from becoming one of the most accomplished African American women in history.

    She was born in Decatur, Ala. but grew up in Chicago, and from a very early age, she knew she wanted to study science.

    She worked hard and graduated from high school at just 16, then headed across the country to attend Stanford University.

    As one of the few African Americans in her class, she faced discrimination from both students and teachers, yet she earned two degrees in four years—chemical engineering and African American studies.

    Jemison didn’t begin her career in space; she first attended Cornell Medical School, where she earned her medical degree and practiced general medicine.

    Her talents also didn’t stop in science. Jemison is fluent in Japanese, Russian and Swahili. She used this and her medical studies to her advantage and joined the Peace Corps in 1983 to help people in Africa for two years.

    Jemison with the rest of the Endeavour Crew in 1992. (AP Photo/Chris O’ Meara)

    On to space

    After serving in the Peace Corps, Jemison opened a private medical practice, but before long she set her sights on a long-held dream: going to space.

    Jemison applied for the astronaut program at NASA in 1985. Unfortunately, NASA stopped accepting applications after the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986.

    In 1987, Jemison reapplied and was chosen as one of 15 out of 2,000 applicants. Nichelle Nichols—Uhura from the original Star Trek—recruited her, and as a longtime fan, Jemison later guest-starred in an episode of the series.

    In Sept. 1992, she joined six other astronauts on the Endeavor for eight days, making her the first African American woman in space. On her mission, she made 127 orbits around the Earth.

    Mae C. Jemison on board the Endeavour in 1992. (Photo by NASA)

    After NASA

    Jemison left NASA the year after she went to space and accomplished many more things.

    She started her own consulting company, became a professor at Cornell, launched the Jemison Institute for Advancing Technology in Developing Countries, created an international space camp for teens and much more.

    She currently leads 100 Year Starship through DARPA, United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which works to ensure humans will travel to another star in the next 100 years.

    With all her accomplishments, it’s no surprise Jemison was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the National Medical Association Hall of Fame and the Texas Science Hall of Fame.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

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  • Jordan Stolz wins second speedskating gold of Olympics

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    MILAN — For a while now, Jordan Stolz’s talent and dominance as a speedskater, and his much-anticipated potential for Olympic success, prompted many to repeatedly mention his name — prematurely, no doubt — alongside that of Eric Heiden. Now they really do belong in the same sentence, at least in one regard.

    What You Need To Know

    • Jordan Stolz has won his second speedskating gold medal of the Milan Cortina Olympics by finishing first in the 500 meters in an Olympic-record time. Saturday’s race was the American’s second of the Winter Games

    • The 21-year-old from Wisconsin was coming off a victory in Wednesday’s 1,000, the first of his four individual events in Milan

    • He came to these Games as someone considered a contender for gold in all four

    • The men’s record for most speedskating titles at one Olympics is the five for Eric Heiden at Lake Placid in 1980

    Stolz established himself as a two-time Olympic gold medalist, halfway to his goal of four at the Milan Cortina Games, by winning the 500 meters on Saturday to follow up his victory in the 1,000. Those twin triumphs allowed Stolz, a 21-year-old from Wisconsin, to join Heiden as the only men to complete the 500-1,000 double in speedskating at one Olympics.

    Heiden, of course, did it as part of his record sweep of all five individual events at the 1980 Lake Placid Games for the U.S., taking everything from the 500 to the 10,000, and all in Olympic-record time.

    Stolz finished the 500 in an Olympic-record time of 33.77 seconds, after also setting a Games mark in his win in the 1,000 on Wednesday. Both times, the silver went to Jenning do Boo of the Netherlands, who clocked 33.88 in the shortest speedskating event. Both times, they raced head-to-head in the same heat.

    Stolz was leading Wednesday as they came out of the final curve, then they were even entering the last stretch. But Stolz, who overcame a deficit in the 1,000, turned on the speed and leaned across the line first again in the 500. De Boo slipped and fell into the wall afterward, while Stolz skated past and shook his right fist overhead.

    Canada’s Laurent Dubreuil got the bronze in 34.26.

    The last American to win Olympic gold in the men’s 500 was Casey FitzRandolph in 2002.

    The soft-spoken Stolz acknowledges that, yes, his aims are high, and, sure, he is flattered by the comparisons to Heiden. But Stolz, who isn’t entered in the 5,000 or 10,000 in Milan, also knows he isn’t trying to recreate the same sort of unprecedented and all-encompassing performance turned in by Heiden.

    Still, Stolz does have a real shot at the four medals, maybe even four golds, he is seeking at his second Winter Games.

    At Beijing in 2022, just 17 years old, Stolz finished 13th in the 1,000 and 14th in the 500. In the time since, though, he has established himself as the best in the world at his sport, including two world titles each at the 500, the 1,000 and the 1,500. And right now, Stolz is so far living up to the outsized expectations and accompanying pressure that follow his every stride on the ice at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, a temporary facility created for this event.

    Two races, two golds, two Olympic records.

    Now there are two more to go for the six-time world champion: the 1,500 meters on Thursday, and the mass start on Feb. 21.

    The last man with three gold medals in speedskating at one Winter Games was Norway’s Johann Olav Koss, who won the 1,500, the 5,000 and the 10,000 at the 1994 Lillehammer Games

    Stolz took to the ice to warm up Saturday about 2 1/2 hours before his race. He paused at one point to plop himself down for a seat on the low boards along the ice, retying his black-and-green skates and smiling while chatting with his coach, Bob Corby.

    No sign of nerves. None at all.

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    Associated Press

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  • Prolonged snow coverage leads to areas of snow mold

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    Winter snowfall is beginning to melt and the artic air that gripped the eastern two-thirds of the country has retreated.

    What You Need To Know

    • Parts of the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic experience prolonged snow coverage this winter

    • This type of fungus thrives in cooler conditions

    • Ways to keep snow mold away include mowing grass short in the late fall


    However, this temperatures shift and rapid thawing has lead to an unwelcome sight across many lawns: snow mold.

    Prolonged snow coverage

    A snow event on Jan. 24 to 26 brought snow and ice to regions of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Following the winter weather, arctic air surged south, keeping much of the region snow- and ice-covered.

    Another system Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 brought snow to the Mid-Atlantic, with areas like Charlotte, N.C. picking up just under a foot of snow. Like its predecessor, this storm was followed by bitter cold, leaving snow-covered ground in areas that don’t see flakes every winter.

    Snow mold

    If you start to notice odd circular patches or web‑like areas on your lawn, with pink or grayish discoloration, you might have snow mold. 

    Snow mold develops on a lawn in St. Charles, Mo. after prolonged snow during the winter. (Spectrum News/Stacy Lynn)

    According to Cardinal Lawn’s Lawn Disease Library, snow mold or snow rot is a type of fungal lawn disease that forms from sustained snow cover or wet leaves. It is most visible in spring after snow melts, but sometimes it is observed in winter after a big snowfall and then a thaw.

    Any grass exposed to cold temperatures and snow cover can be affected, and if left untreated, the lawn may suffer damage. 

    This fungus thrives in cold, damp conditions, damaging individual blades as well as the crown and roots. It often appears as gray circular patches or pink, web‑like growth. The pink type is the more severe fungus and does not need snow cover, as it proliferates when the grass is wet and temperatures are below 45 F.

    While most lawn diseases are associated with warm weather, TruGreen’s lawn care tips note that snow mold only occurs on actively growing winter grass in cooler weather and can persist up to 60°F if air and soil remain moist. Spores can be spread by wind or splashing rain, moving the disease from one part of the lawn to another.

    Prevention

    Although it’s impossible to completely prevent, some fall planning might help keep it at bay. TruGreen recommends mowing your lawn short before the grass goes dormant, 2 to 2.5 inches. Shorter grass is less likely to mat down.

    It’s best to avoid nitrogen fertilizer in late fall and make sure your soil drains properly to prevent excess moisture. Late summer or fall aeration can help break up the plant material that exists between the soil and the grass. 

    During the winter, don’t let the snow pile up. Those large piles that were created from clearing driveways and sidewalks need to be spread out and shortened. Any piles that take long to melt could be potential breeding grounds for the fungus.

    Repair

    Snow mold may happen despite best efforts. Ways to treat it include raking the matted grass, which adds circulation and helps to stimulate new grass growth. If your grass still doesn’t appear healthy, consult a lawn care company.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

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  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

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    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

    [ad_1]

    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Understanding the importance of climate norms

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    January and now February, parts of the country have faced extreme cold, prompting many meteorologists to note, “This air is much colder than average.”

    But how do we define “average,” and have those averages—or normals—changed over time?

    What You Need To Know

    • Climatologists use 30-year periods to establish baselines for “climate normals”

    • Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    • FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events


    Climatologists use 30-year periods to smooth out year-to-year variability and establish baselines, or “climate normals,” for comparison. For example, a high of 45 degrees in January in Missouri might be five degrees above the long-term average.

    Why 30 years?

    Jared Rennie, a physical scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Centers for Environmental Information, explains that the 30-year standard better reflects the changing climate and its influence on day-to-day weather. 

    He adds that NOAA also explores other base periods to meet user needs. In addition to the 1991–2020 normals released a few years ago, NOAA provides a 15-year baseline (2006–2020).

    These baselines are updated every ten years to capture ongoing changes—so data from 1980 to 2010 will differ from values averaged over 1990–2020.

    Differences in the data

    There are regional differences when comparing the most recent datasets (1980–2010 vs. 1990–2020). Annual precipitation has increased 5–10% in the central and eastern U.S. and decreased 5–10% in the Southwest.

    Temperatures are generally warmer by 0.3 to 1.0°F across most areas, with the north-central U.S. slightly cooler.

    (Courtesy: NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information)

    More frequent 100-year events

    It seems like every few weeks we hear, “This is a once in a 100-year event.” Why are we seeing more of these “once in a lifetime events?”

    “Scientifically, this usually refers to the percent chance an event happens in any given year,” he stressed.

    Adding, “With extreme rainfall events, NOAA uses data to identify areas that exceeded the 1% or 0.1% chance of occurring in a given year (known as a 1-in-100-year event and 1-in-1000-year event, respectively).”

    He says that as for the frequency of these types of events, it depends on the specific event. “When it comes to large-scale events like droughts and heat, we have a better understanding of how these are trending over time.”

    “For example, the science tells us that temperatures are increasing, especially at nighttime, which is affecting the number of heat events in the 21st century.”

    Smaller-scale events, such as tornadoes and certain floods, are harder to quantify, and ongoing research aims to improve understanding.

    Weather vulnerability

    How do population densities impact weather vulnerability? “There is lots of research in the socioeconomic space that is attempting to identify not only populations affected by weather and climate extremes, but also their risk.”

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides resources to help communities assess risk from heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes, and tornadoes. More information can be found in the Dec. 2025 National Risk Index for Natural Hazards index.

    FEMA is working to provide information for communities most at risk from weather events, like heat waves, cold outbreaks, hurricanes and tornadoes.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • The First African American Astronaut

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    Guion Bluford, the first African American to travel into space, became one of the space community’s most influential figures.

    What You Need To Know

    • Guy Bluford was the first African American to fly in space

    • He started his career as a pilot in the Air Force

    • He became an astronaut for NASA in 1979


    Bluford developed a fascination with flight at a young age, and by high school he knew he wanted to become an aeronautical engineer.

    Early life

    After earning his college degree, Bluford joined the U.S. Air Force and received his pilot wings in Jan. 1966 at the early age of 24.

    He soon became an instructor pilot and later entered the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology, where he earned a master’s degree in 1974 and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in 1978.

    After his 1974 graduation, he served at the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory, initially as a deputy and eventually as branch chief of the Aerodynamics and Airframe Branch.These achievements led to his selection for the NASA astronaut program in 1978.

    It’s safe to say he never lost sight of his childhood dreams.

    Becoming a legend

    The crew of Space Shuttle 8 shown in front of launch pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida on August 5, 1983, with the tip of the orbiter Challenger showing in the background. Ready for a August 30 launch are left to right: Mission Specialists Dale Gardner, Guion Bluford, Dr. Bill Thornton, pilot Dan Brandenstein and commander Richard Truly. The crew was going through STS-8 countdown test on Thursday, and are wearing blue suits with pilot Brandenstein wearing a red tee shirt underneath. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)

    After a year of training, Bluford became an official astronaut in Aug. 1979.

    Four years later, on Aug. 30, 1983, he flew his first mission aboard STS-8. That inaugural flight was brief but notable, pioneering techniques for nighttime operations and deploying the Indian National Satellite.

    After 145 hours in space, the crew returned to Edwards Air Force Base on Sept. 5.

    Over the next 10 years, Bluford became the second, third and fourth African American in space, logging over 688 hours.

    After NASA

    In 1993, Bluford left NASA and retired from the Air Force to become the Vice President and General Manager of the Engineering Services Division of NYMA Inc., in Greenbelt, Maryland.

    After several more high-end jobs, he went on to become the President of Aerospace Technology in Cleveland, Ohio, a job that he still holds today.

    Bluford never stopped learning or pursuing the next level of his career. A brilliant figure in the space and engineering communities, he became a leader and role model for many African Americans.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Meteorologist Shelly Lindblade

    Source link

  • USDA food safety tips ahead of the Super Bowl

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    Is it really the big game without the chicken wings, the pizza and the chips and dip?

    If you’re hosting or attending a Super Bowl party tonight to watch the Seahawks and the Patriots duke it out, chances are you’ll have an assortment of snacks nearby.

    Ahead of the big game, The United States Department of Agriculture has guidance on keeping that food safe for consumption.

    During a multi-hour football game, according to the USDA, food is often left out unheated and uncooled, which can lead to issues with the formation of bacteria.

    “Each year millions of Americans get sick from foodborne illness – commonly called food poisoning,” the release reads. “These illnesses result in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

    The USDA offers five quick tips to keep food safe:

    • Be safe with takeout food
    • Follow the two-hour rule
    • Wash hands effectively
    • Use a food thermometer
    • Store leftovers properly

    The release directs food safety questions to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, reachable at 1-888-674-6854. You can also ask questions at ask.usda.gov or by emailing MPHotline@usda.gov.

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    Cody Thompson

    Source link

  • Dangerously cold temperatures this weekend

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    Another weekend will bring bitter cold to parts of the country—this time across the Ohio River Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Wind chills could plunge to as much as 35 degrees below zero in some locations.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cold Weather Warnings are in place tonight through Sunday afternoon

    • Wind chills could dip as low as 30 degrees below zero

    • Temperatures are expected to moderate into next week



     

    Cold Weather Alerts

    Arctic air will pour into the region through the weekend. Area-wide temperatures will dip near zero, and gusty winds could drive wind chills down to 30 below.

    Cold Weather Advisories are in place for the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine, Ohio and eastern Michigan, with Extreme Cold Warnings set to go into effect for New York State and western Massachusetts.


    Cold weather alerts will remain in effect through Sunday afternoon.

    A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when frostbite and hypothermia are likely if skin is left unprotected.

    Frigid wind chills

    The cold will settle in Saturday night and remain locked in the Northeast and New England through Sunday. A gradual warmup will begin on Monday. 


    Several of these areas were hit with heavy snow two weeks ago, and much of it remains. Additional snow this weekend will only build bigger piles.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Snow follwed by dangerously cold temperatures this weekend

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    Another weekend will bring snow and bitter cold to parts of the country—this time across the Ohio River Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Wind chills could plunge to 35 degrees below zero.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cold Weather Warnings are in place Saturday night through Sunday afternoon

    • Wind chills could dip as low as 30 degrees below zero

    • Snowfall totals will be around 1 to 3 inches with the potential for higher amounts in southern Maine and eastern Massachusetts



    Snow chances

    A cold front will bring snow to New York and New England from tonight through tomorrow. Totals will generally be light—around 1 to 3 inches—but a unique phenomenon known as ocean-effect snow could enhance accumulations in eastern Massachusetts and southern Maine (including York County).

    A heavy band may develop there, with localized totals exceeding 6 inches. If this occurs, the most likely timing is early Saturday afternoon.

    Here’s one model’s timing on the snow.


    Cold Weather Alerts

    Arctic air will move in behind the snow starting Saturday night. Area-wide temperatures will dip near zero, and gusty winds could drive wind chills down to 30 below.

    Cold Weather Advisories are in place for the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine, Ohio and eastern Michigan, with Extreme Cold Warnings set to go into effect for New York State and western Massachusetts.


    Cold weather alerts will remain in effect through Sunday afternoon.

    A Cold Weather Advisory is issued when dangerously cold wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when frostbite and hypothermia are likely if skin is left unprotected.

    Frigid wind chills

    The cold will settle in Saturday night and remain locked in the Northeast and New England through Sunday. A gradual warmup will begin on Monday. 


    Several of these areas were hit with heavy snow two weeks ago, and much of it remains. Additional snow this weekend will only build bigger piles.

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Stacy Lynn

    Source link

  • Frosty’s got nothing on Jeffrey the snowman

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    Each winter, Milltown, Wisconsin adds one more resident. His name is Jeffery, he lives by Highway 8 and he never stops smiling. 

    Because of that, he gets a lot of visitors.

    “You never know if it’s going to be a little kid or an old man. You never know who is going to come,” said Craig Carlson.

    The first Jeffery that Craig Carlson and his crew built was 19 feet tall in 2019. They brought him to life as part of a holiday decorating contest, which they won.

    Each year he grows a little more. From 19 feet, to 32 feet — to 58 feet. And this year, Jeffery downright sprouted, reaching 67 feet. Or, “6-7,” as the kids like to say.

    “Every time we got snow, we were hauling snow,” said Craig Carlson. “We ended up having a crane to come and help set it.”

    Plywood and cables also help hold Jeffery together. But this year, Craig Carlson and his family encountered a new problem. Because this version was so tall, Jeffery started to go sideways. December rain didn’t help either.

    It all led to a meltdown, and it could’ve ended there. But the community missed Jeffery so much they pushed for a January rebuild, even donating money to make it happen. So, the Carlsons went back to work.

    “The snowmen that are in the front yard, you just roll a ball and stack them on top with your own hands,” said Hunter Carlson, Craig’s son. “We have to use heavy equipment with skid steers, tall handlers.”

    It took three weeks to build the 6-7 Jeffery. This one only took three days and it’s just under 40 feet, but it’s as strong as a linebacker.

    The head of the first snowman weighed about 25,000 pounds. This one actually weighs even more — about 30,000 pounds.

    “We’ve got about a thousand gallons of water stuck in the one behind us,” said Craig Carlson.

    The hat is made out of cattle panels and tarps. The nose is 10 feet long and made out of steel.

    “The pipe is a 4-inch pipe with a 55-gallon barrel drum at the end of it,” said Craig Carlson.

    Jeffery’s arms are full-grown trees, and his tie is courtesy of an old fire hose.

    They put thought into every detail, including the snowman’s name. Jeffery was the name of Craig Carlson’s older brother.

    “He passed away in 2016 and it’s in memory of him,” said Craig Carlson. “I think he’d like him, I think he would.”

    Craig Carlson’s construction company even started the Jeffery the Snowman Foundation which gives scholarships to local kids. Those aren’t going away, even if Jeffery does. Although, one year a little piece of him stuck around until May.

    “The sun starts to wreak havoc once you get to the middle of February,” Craig Carlson said.

    But even when Jeffery leaves, rest assured, he’ll be back again someday.

    “I always enjoy seeing the final product and knowing that we built it all and it’s 100% snow,” said Hunter Carlson.

    If you would like to learn more about the history and location of Jeffery, and the scholarship foundation, there is a Jeffery the Snowman Facebook page.

    In:

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    John Lauritsen

    Source link

  • Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter

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    PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of wintry weather Monday, a forecast sure to disappoint many after what’s already been a long, cold season across large parts of the United States.

    His annual prediction and announcement that he had seen his shadow was translated by his handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania.

    What You Need To Know

    • Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers say he’s seen his shadow and is therefore predicting six more weeks of winter weather

    • Phil’s annual prediction occurred shortly after dawn Monday outside his tree stump in Gobbler’s Knob

    • Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 comes at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

    The news was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos from the tens of thousands who braved temperatures in the single-digits Fahrenheit to await the annual prognostication. The extreme cold kept the crowd bundled up and helped keep people on the main stage dancing.

    Usually guests can come up on stage and take pictures of Phil after his prediction, but this year the announcer said it was too cold for that and his handlers were afraid to keep him out too long. Instead, the audience was asked to come to the stage, turn around and “do a selfie.”

    The club says that when Phil is deemed to have not seen his shadow, that means there will be an early spring. When he does see it, it’s six more weeks of winter. Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring.

    The annual ritual goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney’s festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.

    Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak.

    “Oh man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” said Gibson, accompanied by her husband — dressed up as Elvis Presley — and teenage daughter. “It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”

    Gibson, a resident of Pittsburgh, had been rooting for Phil to not see his shadow.

    Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.

    “I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. “It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”

    Last year’s announcement was six more weeks of winter, by far Phil’s more common assessment and not much of a surprise during the first week of February. His top-hatted handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club insist Phil’s “groundhogese” of winks, purrs, chatters and nods are being interpreted when they relate the meteorological marmot’s muses about the days ahead.

    AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said early Monday some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.”

    Pastelok said the coming week will remain cold, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.

    Phil isn’t the only animal being consulted for long-term weather forecasts Monday. There are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.

    Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time of year that also figures in the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.

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    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter

    [ad_1]

    PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of wintry weather Monday, a forecast sure to disappoint many after what’s already been a long, cold season across large parts of the United States.

    His annual prediction and announcement that he had seen his shadow was translated by his handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania.

    What You Need To Know

    • Punxsutawney Phil’s handlers say he’s seen his shadow and is therefore predicting six more weeks of winter weather

    • Phil’s annual prediction occurred shortly after dawn Monday outside his tree stump in Gobbler’s Knob

    • Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 comes at the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox

    The news was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos from the tens of thousands who braved temperatures in the single-digits Fahrenheit to await the annual prognostication. The extreme cold kept the crowd bundled up and helped keep people on the main stage dancing.

    Usually guests can come up on stage and take pictures of Phil after his prediction, but this year the announcer said it was too cold for that and his handlers were afraid to keep him out too long. Instead, the audience was asked to come to the stage, turn around and “do a selfie.”

    The club says that when Phil is deemed to have not seen his shadow, that means there will be an early spring. When he does see it, it’s six more weeks of winter. Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring.

    The annual ritual goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney’s festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray.

    Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak.

    “Oh man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” said Gibson, accompanied by her husband — dressed up as Elvis Presley — and teenage daughter. “It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”

    Gibson, a resident of Pittsburgh, had been rooting for Phil to not see his shadow.

    Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 15 degrees Celsius) on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.

    “I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. “It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”

    Last year’s announcement was six more weeks of winter, by far Phil’s more common assessment and not much of a surprise during the first week of February. His top-hatted handlers in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club insist Phil’s “groundhogese” of winks, purrs, chatters and nods are being interpreted when they relate the meteorological marmot’s muses about the days ahead.

    AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said early Monday some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.”

    Pastelok said the coming week will remain cold, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.

    Phil isn’t the only animal being consulted for long-term weather forecasts Monday. There are formal and informal Groundhog Day events in many places in the U.S., Canada and beyond.

    Groundhog Day falls on Feb. 2, the midpoint between the shortest, darkest day of the year on the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a time of year that also figures in the Celtic calendar and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.

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    Associated Press

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