Manitoba Merv says we’re in store for an early spring after making his annual Groundhog Day prediction as Oak Hammock Marsh on Sunday, February 2, 2025. (OAK HAMMOCK MARSH PHOTO)
Manitoba will see an early spring, according to the province’s trusty groundhog.
Manitoba Merv popped his head out at Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre near Stonewall Sunday and did not see his shadow. According to Groundhog Day folklore, that means we’re in for an early spring. Had Merv seen his shadow, it would signify six more weeks of winter.
Manitoba Merv has had a 73 percent success rate in making correct predictions since 2000, according to The Weather Network.
Elsewhere across the Groundhog Day celebrity circuit, Wiarton Willie (Ontario) and Balzac Billy (Alberta) predicted an early spring, along with Merv. Lucy the Lobster (Atlantic Canada), Shubenacadie Sam (Nova Scotia), Fred La Marmotte (Quebec), Van Island Violet (British Columbia) and Punxsutawney Phil (Pennsylvania) called for six more weeks of winter.
Happy World Wetlands Day!
Manitoba Merv did not, we repeat did NOT see his shadow!! Looking like an early spring (all being relative for Manitoba of course).@weathernetwork @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/pEjWBfMKUv— Oak Hammock Marsh (@OakHammockMarsh) February 2, 2025
