The ceremonial groundhog in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow this morning. The proclamation from the Groundhog Club leader was, “There is no shadow to be cast! An early spring is my forecast! Take your jackets off, you’re not going to need them!”. However, some analysts and official forecasters had different findings. 

According to the Farmers’ Almanac 2015-16 Winter Outlook – February temperatures will drop to bitter cold, and will last well into March. While the Northeast hasn’t had an overly challenging winter so far this season, forecasters warn that it’s coming.

Despite the strong El Nino, many of these areas will still see wintry precipitation — more likely winter wet than winter white — but still winter nonetheless. Though the Spring Equinox will arrive on March 20th, winter weather may hang on for just a bit longer this year, making for a delayed start to spring.

Their predictions for Zone 1 (the Northeast) include significant storms and winter conditions lingering on from February, and through the Easter holiday.

What do you think? Do you stand by Punxsutawney Phil? For the record – USA Today has tracked his “predictions” since 1988, and he has been “right” 13 times and “wrong” 15 times, for an accuracy rate of 46 percent. Sometimes, all you can do is be prepared for as much as you can.

In any case – if you’re running low on wood pellets or wood bricks, give the experts a call at 1-800-PELLETS, or buy online 24/7.