Sure! Here's a rewritten version of the question: **Evaluate the accuracy of Punxsutawney Phil's predictions regarding early spring.**
Phil ranked 17th out of 19 among his fellow weather forecasting groundhogs, with an accuracy rate of only 35%, according to NOAA.
Feb. 1, 2025, 8:21 PM GMT+6
Punxsutawney Phil, Pennsylvania’s famous groundhog, might be the most well-known weather predictor, but a recent ranking has raised questions about his accuracy. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information, Phil’s track record is far from stellar. With an accuracy rate of only 35%, he ranked 17th out of 19 animals, even behind taxidermied critters.
Who are the top contenders when it comes to predicting a longer winter? Staten Island Chuck from New York topped the list, with an impressive 85% accuracy rate. In second place was General Beauregard Lee from Georgia at 80%, followed by Wyoming’s Lander Li — a bronze prairie dog statue — at 75%. Despite his less-than-ideal performance, NOAA still recognized Phil’s long-standing tradition. He’s been making weather predictions since 1887 and remains a beloved figure, thanks in part to the “groundhog nog” he receives each fall at the Punxsutawney Groundhog Picnic.
So, what does it take for a critter to make NOAA’s weather-predicting list? To qualify, animals must have a history of making February 2nd forecasts for at least 20 years and must still be active as of February 2, 2024. The animals are then ranked based on their accuracy in predicting March temperatures, using data from 2005 to 2024.
Will Phil redeem himself with a better prediction in 2025? Only time will tell!
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