Sun Prairie's Jimmy the Groundhog predicts an early spring

SUN PRAIRIE  - Jimmy the Groundhog is back, and soon so will spring, according to his annual weather prediction.

After holding the event virtually last year due to concerns about COVID-19, the 74th annual Sun Prairie Groundhog Day Prognostication ceremony was held in-person and in-groundhog again at sunrise on Wednesday morning in downtown Sun Prairie in Cannery Square. Jimmy came through with a prediction of an early spring, having not seen his shadow. 

Helping pass along Jimmy's prediction was Sun Prairie Mayor Paul Esser. The prognosticating critter's message was also translated into Spanish, Hmong and American sign language. Wilderness Walk Zoo in Hayward was the official groundhog handler for the ceremony. 

Businesses throughout downtown Sun Prairie welcomed the return of the prognostication ceremony, offering Groundhog Day-related deals such as coffee and treats at Beans 'n' Cream Coffeehouse, ornaments at Prairie Flowers and Gifts and clothing at Wisconsin Apparel Co. 

Although it felt a bit like spring on Tuesday across most of Wisconsin, expect conditions to be more winter-like in the coming days. Highs across most of the state will be in the teens Thursday and Friday, with a slight chance of snow flurries in some areas both days, according to the National Weather Service in Green Bay.