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Will Phil see shadow?

Meteorologists expect temperatures to rise dramatically in the next five days with clouds and some precipitation later on in the week; however this does not seem to affect their cold disposition towards Punxsutawney Phil, who many expect to give an accurate forecast today.

For many, the best news — no matter the source — is a break from frigid temperatures.

That’s what Randy Atkins is predicting.

“The good news here is the really cold weather pattern that we’ve been locked in here for the past several days is breaking, thankfully,” said Atkins, meteorologist with Accuweather in State College.

Temperatures will climb into the upper 30s today, with partial sunshine in the afternoon, he said.

“Then for Sunday, clouds will return and there could be some freezing drizzle during the early part of the morning, but temperatures are expected to go above freezing once again with high temperatures in the upper 30s to near 40,” said Atkins.

Early next week, Monday will see a high of 42, with clouds breaking for some sunshine and patchy fog during in the morning, he said.

“And some continued improvement into early next week. High of 42 on Monday with clouds breaking for some sunshine and some patchy fog during the morning and then Tuesday, we have a shot at pushing past the 50 degree mark,” said Atkins.

The weather will be more unsettled as snow systems enter the area during this time and some freezing rain may fall Wednesday evening and into Thursday; however, that should clear up Thursday afternoon, only to return again during the night. The high temperatures will start to come back down to average temperatures Friday, as some flurries may be seen.

“As we go through the end of the week, 44 for a high on Wednesday 43 on Thursday, then 37 on Friday, which is pretty close to average for this time of the year,” said Atkins.

As for six more weeks of winter, or an early spring, Atkins said Accuweather expects a chaotic weather pattern at the end of February and beginning of March, with occasional cold intrusions – but not to the magnitude of the recent cold snap.

Although Atkins did not want to tell Sun-Gazette readers what to believe about Phil, he said, “I, personally, wouldn’t trust a rodent.”

Matt Steingull, meteorologist for the National Weather Service, said people should be aware of shifting ice and rising water on the rivers, however it should not be enough to cause significantly flooding.

Steingull said he is less sure of Punxsutawney Phil, whom he said is only correct about 40 percent over the last 10 years.

“I have no idea what Phil will predict, he tends to go his own way with his forecast,” he said.

“No matter what Phil says about winter, there are always six more weeks of winter according to the calendar.”

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