
Just How Good is Michigan’s Official Groundhog at Forecasting Our Weather?
You've heard of Punxsutawney Phil, but did you know Michigan has its own groundhog, that predicts the weather on February 2? But just how accurate are these rodents when it comes to forecasting?
Who is Woody the Woodchuck?
Although Woody isn't famous enough to have her own Wikipedia page (that's right, Woody is a female), she has been making weather predictions on Groundhog Day since 1999.
The folks at the Howel Nature Center host a free Groundhog Day celebration each year on February 2 beginning at 7:30 am. Will we have an early spring or should we brace ourselves for six more weeks of winter? Supposedly, Woody will tell the tale this Sunday.

Just How Accurate Are These Rodents?
When it comes to the accuracy of these groundhogs' predictions, we're getting conflicting information. According to the Howel Nature Center, Woody's track record is quite good. The folks in Howel claim she's been right about 70% of the time over the last 26 years.
But according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which recently graded 19 weather-forecasting groundhogs from around the country, Woody didn't fare so well.
So how did our furry Michigan friend do?
Unfortunately, NOAA places Woody at #18 on its list of groundhog meteorologists, with a dismal accuracy rate of just 35%.
Punxsutawney Phil didn't fare much better, coming in at #17, just above Woody, also with a 35% accuracy rate.
A Groundhog You Can Trust
If you're looking to get an accurate read on the weather from a groundhog, you need to consult Staten Island Chuck. Charles G. Hogg is a resident of the Staten Island Zoo in New York City and has a great track record, accurately predicting the weather 85% of the time.
Unfortunately, those with the most talent are often unpredictable. While Chuck is good at weather forecasting, he once bit the hand of a New York City mayor, making him a bit of a loose cannon.
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