Is Buckeye Chuck Going to Spot His Shadow? Ohio's Groundhog Readies for the 2024 Groundhog Day Prediction.

In keeping with Ohio's time-honored tradition, Buckeye Chuck is gearing up to unveil his forecast for the upcoming weather – the age-old question of whether we'll endure six more weeks of winter or be blessed with an early spring.

While Buckeye Chuck takes the lead in Ohio's weather prediction on Groundhog Day, a plethora of other groundhogs across the U.S. and Canada join in the forecasting fun. Notable counterparts include General Beauregard Lee in Georgia, Staten Island Chuck in New York, and the most famous of them all, Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania.

Here's the lowdown on what to expect from Buckeye Chuck's Groundhog Day forecast and how you can catch the event.

**When Will Buckeye Chuck Make His 2024 Prediction?**

Buckeye Chuck was slated to deliver his winter forecast around 7:40 a.m. ET, with the event kicking off at 7 a.m. ET.

**How to Tune In to Buckeye Chuck's 2024 Groundhog Day Forecast**

Catch Buckeye Chuck's moment in the spotlight live on his Facebook fan page, as announced by the host radio station WMRN in Marion. Alternatively, you can tune in via 1490-AM WMRN on the iHeart app to listen live.

**Who Exactly Is Buckeye Chuck?**

Ohio's official weather-prognosticating groundhog takes the stage annually in Marion, Ohio, thanks to the efforts of local radio station WMRN. Buckeye Chuck commenced his forecasting endeavors in the 1970s and earned the esteemed title of the official State Groundhog by the Ohio General Assembly in 1979.

In 2023, a stuffed representation of Buckeye Chuck took the reins for the annual prediction due to concerns raised by PETA regarding the use of live animals in the event. However, this year marks the return of a brand new Buckeye Chuck – Murray, a 1-year-old whistle pig residing at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

**What Was Buckeye Chuck's Prediction in 2023?**

In 2023, the stuffed version of Buckeye Chuck foresaw six more weeks of winter. In the preceding years from 2019 to 2022, he predicted an early arrival of spring.

**Why Do We Celebrate Groundhog Day?**

Groundhog Day, observed every Feb. 2, coincides with Candlemas, a celebration with roots in planting traditions. Historically linked to the anticipation of planting crops, Candlemas held that seeing sunshine on the day indicated the return of winter.

In Europe, bears or badgers were traditionally consulted for signs of returning winter or approaching spring. However, German immigrants in Pennsylvania shifted to using groundhogs for the forecast, giving rise to the Groundhog Day we celebrate today.