DeKALB | Every Feb. 2, a shadow has the potential to determine whether we will suffer through six more weeks of cold or see flowers and green grass earlier than expected.

According to Groundhog Day tradition, if the infamous Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania sees his shadow, it will forecast additional weeks of winter. If he does not, spring should be right around the corner.

While some may not look to Phil for their weather updates, Groundhog Day has still become an American tradition that dates back to 1886, said NIU staff meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste.

In the past, neither DeKalb nor Sycamore has had any city-wide events on Groundhog Day, but this year will be different.

“We will be digging out from this storm,” said Sycamore Mayor Ken Mundy. “It’s a pretty safe bet there’s a shadow this year.”

NIU history professor Aaron Fogleman said for centuries prior people have looked to animals to help them anticipate and prepare for the coming weather. Even today, in isolated places, people rely very heavily on the weather for their survival.

“They (animals) can sense when the barometric pressure is falling,” Sebenste said. “While they can’t predict the weather, they can tell if something is on the way in the short term.”

Whether a groundhog predicts the weather or not, according to Sebenste, winter is definitely here to stay for a while.

“Scientifically speaking, with the things I’m seeing right now, I think we’re going to have six more weeks of winter, unfortunately,” Sebenste said.