The tradition of Groundhog Day dates back centuries, with the conceit that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it means that there will be six more weeks of winter. If there is no shadow, then an early spring will occur. Punxsatawney Phil is undoubtedly the world’s most famous forecast groundhog, and his forecasts have been going on since the 1880s. Other places around the U.S. and Canada have followed suit, including several in Illinois, notably Woodstock Willie, who lives in the town where the iconic film “Groundhog Day” was filmed in the 1990s. The real question though is just how accurate are the forecasts of these woodchuck wunderkinds? Fortunately, the National Weather Service has compiled data over the last 20 years, and Illinois’ representatives have acquitted themselves well. #groundhogday #punxsutawneyphil #winter