Oil Springs Ollie gives the bad news to Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper February 2, 2018. Oil Springs Ollie gives the bad news to Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper February 2, 2018.
Sarnia

Ollie Says No Early End To Winter (VIDEO & GALLERY)

Oil Springs Ollie is predicting six more weeks of winter and this time he may well be right.

The furry weather forecaster spotted his shadow just after 9am Friday at a Groundhog Day ceremony in Wyoming.

Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper presided over the annual February 2 ritual, and he says he made a new little friend.

"It was exciting, it was almost like a love affair," he says with a laugh. "He's a beautiful animal, he's well kept and Heaven's Wildlife does a great job with him."

In 2017, Ollie saw his shadow but February turned out to be the warmest in history in Sarnia-Lambton.

This year, however, Environment Canada meteorologist Geoff Coulson says Lambton County's novice prognosticator is probably on the mark.

"In looking at the forecast at least through the month of February, it's looking to be colder than normal," says Coulson. "So by all accounts it looks like we do have, unfortunately, a fair amount of winter still left to go."

Ollie's more experienced counterparts, Wiarton Willie and Punxsutawney Phil also saw their shadows, indicating an extended winter.

Nova Scotia's Shubenacadie Sam did not see his shadow when he waddled out of his pen, indicating an early spring.

[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/qyrgg-dn77q.mp4"][/video]

 

Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper awaits the arrival of Ollie. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper awaits the arrival of Ollie. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)

Those in attendance stand outside in the cold weather awaiting the arrival of Ollie. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)Those in attendance stand outside in the cold weather awaiting the arrival of Ollie. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)

Heaven's Wildlife workers bring Ollie over to the Wyoming Library. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)Heaven's Wildlife workers bring Ollie over to the Wyoming Library. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)

A close-up shot of the furry little weather predictor. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)A close-up shot of the furry little weather predictor. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)

Just moments away from Ollie's prediction. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)Just moments away from Ollie's prediction. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)

Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper meets Ollie. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)Plympton-Wyoming Mayor Lonny Napper meets Ollie. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)

Ollie just saw his shadow and told Mayor Lonny Napper we're in for six more weeks of winter. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)Ollie just saw his shadow and told Mayor Lonny Napper we're in for six more weeks of winter. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)

Ollie snuggles up in a warm blanket after predicting six more weeks of winter. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)Ollie snuggles up in a warm blanket after predicting six more weeks of winter. February 2, 2018. (Photo by Colin Gowdy, Blackburn News)

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