However, a quick glance at The Weather Channel this year might indicate the groundhog should predict an early spring for large parts of the U.S. Some lore says that if the groundhog “sees its shadow” there will be six more weeks of winter, and if it doesn’t, there will be an early spring. Weather forecasts over the next week indicate that much of that warmer weather will sweep Northern states. Therefore, a groundhog prediction of six more weeks of winter for California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona and Alaska would feel accurate for residents keeping their coats on. NOAA|National Weather ServiceWith warmer weather sweeping states used to snow, some are concerned that climate change is swinging the odds closer to an early spring each year.

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Persons: Phil Organizations: U.S, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, National Weather Service Locations: Punxsutawney , Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, West Coast, California , Florida , Nevada , Arizona, Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota , Wisconsin , Iowa , Nebraska, Montana