Cliff Mass Finds Groundhog-Based Forecasting Ridiculous. Frogs Are Another Matter Entirely.

Weather watchers will be surprised, nay, shocked to learn that Cliff Mass doesn't put a lot of stock in the predictions of Punxsutawney Phil.

In his latest blog post, Mass lays out the facts:

"Let me be honest--I have my doubts about Phil's ability to predict weather anywhere and particularly the Northwest. Why would a creature that winters underground develop such skill? And could he possibly have any insights into the upcoming storms and temperatures on the other side of the continent. I doubt it and so should you."

With tongue slightly in cheek, Mass goes on to discuss a Snohomish-based group that has done extensive research on the forecasting abilities of frogs, with surprisingly accurate results. He writes:

Reliable animal-based prediction for us here in the Northwest could only come from a local resident and one that lives and survives exposed to the environment. And considering our issues with moisture, a wet environment at that.

The "frognosticating" abilities of a bullfrog named Snohomish Slew raked in quite a few headlines last year. This year's coverage of "GroundFrog Day," where Slew makes his annual prediction, was a bit lackluster. GroundFrog Day occurred Saturday, getting the jump on old Phil back there in Pennsylvania.

Slew's prediction? Mild weather in the Northwest, which contradicts the La Nina forecasts of pretty much every meteorologist in the area.