As Groundhog Day approaches, all eyes turn to Buckeye Chuck for his annual weather prediction. Ohio’s official weather-predicting groundhog is set to make his forecast, signaling whether the Buckeye State can expect an early spring or six more weeks of winter.
Buckeye Chuck’s prediction is part of a cherished Ohio tradition, where residents eagerly await his forecast. But he’s not alone in his prognostications – groundhogs like General Beauregard Lee, Staten Island Chuck, and the famous Punxsutawney Phil also make their predictions on this day, celebrated across the U.S. and Canada.
When is Buckeye Chuck’s Prediction?
Buckeye Chuck is scheduled to deliver his forecast around 7:40 a.m. ET on Groundhog Day. The event kicks off at 7 a.m. ET, so be sure to tune in to catch his prediction.
How to Watch and Listen to Buckeye Chuck’s Forecast
You can catch Buckeye Chuck’s momentous forecast live on his Facebook fan page, hosted by radio station WMRN in Marion. Additionally, you can listen live via 1490-AM WMRN on the iHeart app.
Who is Buckeye Chuck?
Buckeye Chuck has been Ohio’s official weather-predicting groundhog since the 1970s. Declared the State Groundhog by the Ohio General Assembly in 1979, Buckeye Chuck has become a beloved figure in Ohio’s folklore.
Last year, a stuffed groundhog represented Buckeye Chuck amid controversy surrounding the use of live animals for the event. However, this year, a new Buckeye Chuck named Murray, a 1-year-old whistle pig from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, has returned to make the forecast.
What Did Buckeye Chuck Predict Last Year?
In 2023, the stuffed version of Buckeye Chuck predicted six more weeks of winter. However, in the years prior, he forecasted an early spring, bringing hope to Ohioans weary of winter’s chill.
Why Do We Celebrate Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day, celebrated every February 2nd, shares its origins with Candlemas, a traditional holiday marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Candlemas traditions, rooted in agricultural practices, included forecasting weather based on the presence of sunshine.
In European folklore, bears or badgers were used to predict the weather, but German immigrants in Pennsylvania adopted the groundhog as their prognosticator. Since then, Groundhog Day has become a cherished tradition, offering a glimpse into whether winter will linger or spring is on the horizon.
As Buckeye Chuck prepares to make his forecast, Ohioans eagerly await his prediction, hoping for an early thaw and the promise of warmer days ahead.