The Weather Channel Ranks Top Weather Prognosticating Groundhogs

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On February 2, as America awaits one of the biggest weather decisions of the year, turn to The Weather Channel for uninterrupted coverage of “Decision 2013: Phil’s Forecast” live from Punxsutawney and TWC headquarters in Atlanta. Stick with The Weather Channel on Groundhog Day across all screens – TV, online, mobile and tablet – for the latest updates on celebrations, prognostications and commentary of America’s most popular weather-related holiday.

“Top 11 Groundhogs in the Weather Prediction Business”

A true celebration of weather, Groundhog Day predicts the arrival of spring. According to folklore, if it’s cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, then spring will come early. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks.

In honor of Groundhog Day, The Weather Channel has compiled a list of the “Top 11 Groundhogs in the Weather Prediction Business” based on accuracy and popularity. Check out the list of the Top 11 Groundhogs – and the rationale behind the rankings – on weather.com:

1. Punxsutawney Phil (Punxsutawney, PA)

2. Staten Island Chuck (Staten Island, NY, and official groundhog meteorologist of New York City)

3. General Beauregard Lee (Lilburn, Georgia)

4. Dunkirk Dave (Dunkirk, NY)

5. Chattanooga Chuck (Chattanooga, TN)

6. Buckeye Chuck (Marion, OH)

7. Sir Walter Walley (Raleigh, NC)

8. Jimmy the Groundhog (Sun Prairie, WI)

9. Malverne Mel (Malverne, NY)

10. Holtsville Hal (Holtsville, NY)

11. Woody (Howell, MI)

To agree or disagree with these rankings visit Facebook.com/TheWeatherChannel to cast your vote for America’s most trusted groundhog.

Viewers can tune-in to The Weather Channel as Groundhog Day draws near to check the Countdown Clock to Decision 2013, and on Groundhog Day, Saturday, Feb. 2, from 5 a.m.-12 noon ET for “Decision 2013: Phil’s Forecast”, which will be co-anchored by Jen Carfagno and Jim Cantore in Punxsutawney, PA, and Maria LaRosa and Reynolds Wolf in Atlanta, GA.

The Weather Channel will have the most comprehensive live coverage available of multiple Groundhog Day celebrations around the country, featuring the most up-to-the-minute reports and details on the predictions of several of the most famous furry prognosticators such as Staten Island Chuck, Georgia’s General Beauregard Lee and the well-known Punxsutawney Phil, along with expert analysis from TWC’s meteorologists.

Online weather.com is a one-stop shop for the latest news and information about Groundhog Day. Articles, videos and images will cover topics such as TWC’s weekend coverage in Punxsutawney, the Top 11 Groundhogs slide show, history of Punxsutawney Phil, schedule information of Punxsutawney weekend events, and in-depth analysis including a report on animals that predict the future.

Tune to The Weather Channel and weather.com, your Groundhog Day authority. Also visit Facebook.com/TheWeatherChannel and follow @weatherchannel on Twitter for the latest on Groundhog Day.

The Weather Company: The World’s Best Weather

Through The Weather Channel, weather.com, Weather Underground, Intellicast.com and third-party publishing partners, the company provides millions of people every day with the world's best weather forecasts, content and data, connecting with them through television, online, mobile and tablet screens. Through WSI and Weather Central, the company delivers superior professional weather services for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. The Weather Company is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.