Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Active spring pattern across the center of our nation with several episodes of severe weather and heavy rainfall expected into next week. The potential for very large hail, long track tornadoes, severe wind gusts, frequent cloud to ground lightning strikes and flash flooding are in the outlook. Furthermore, dangerous early season heat wave continues for the Gulf Coast states into early next week. Read More >

Climate statistics for Peoria and Springfield are available for Groundhog Day.

Groundhog Day has its origins in early European culture. It was said that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on February 2, winter would last another 6 weeks. No shadow would indicate that spring was around the corner. German tradition used hedgehogs as the animal in question, which shifted to groundhogs when German immigrants moved to Pennsylvania. The groundhog ceremony near Punxsutawney became the most well-known, using a groundhog named Phil.

Since reliable sky cover statistics became available (1957 in Peoria, and 1950 in Springfield), Groundhog Day sunrise in our area has been cloudy or mostly cloudy about 2/3 of the time.

Groundhog Day climate statistics

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Regional Outbreaks of Severe Weather Through Early Next Week; Early Season Heat Wave across the South

Groundhog Day Climate Statistics for Peoria and Springfield