OC residents have their own predictions for the groundhog

Written by Claire Lowe Wednesday, 01 February 2012 17:09

Betty Gallagher John DuPont OCEAN CITY — Groundhog's Day is tomorrow, but with the weather in the region lately, do we really need Phil to let us know whether or not spring is coming early? It seems like it's already here. From the buds on the trees to the sprouts in the ground, the signs are everywhere. This winter, unlike the last two, has been mild, to say the least. In the last two days, temperatures hit 60 degrees and sunshine abounded.

It's expected to be cloudy early in the day tomorrow in western Pennsylvania, making the chance of seeing his shadow unlikely for the Punxsutawney groundhog and an early spring prediction more likely.

The residents of Ocean City had their own predictions Wednesday afternoon along Asbury Avenue, as temperatures reached 65 degrees. Betty Gallagher, who was reading a newspaper on an outdoor bench, said that spring is coming early.

“I think we’ll have much of same,” she said, pointing out the already spring-like temperatures.

“I think the groundhog took a vacation. We haven’t had winter,” Doe Naclerio said, predicting Phil will not see his shadow tomorrow.

John DuPont, who was on an afternoon bicycle ride, said the same.

“The groundhog will not see his shadow,” he said. But DuPont wasn’t necessarily excited about his own prediction, adding that as a snowboarder, “I want it to be cold.”

“I guess today it’s a nice treat,” DuPont conceded.

Angel Anes and her French bulldog CW were enjoying a walk.

“I’m saying he will not see his shadow,” she predicted. “Come on, look at this day today.”

Inside the B&B Department Store, Adam Pearson was folding T-shirts.

“Spring’s already here,” he said.

At Yianni’s Café, Alyssa Capasso of Linwood was the lone dissenter.

“I think he’s going to see his shadow and we’re going to have a longer winter,” she quipped, before getting back to serving her tables.

  Angel Anes and CW Adam Pearson Alyssa Capasso