Phil: Expect an Early Spring

Put away the shovels and snow blowers and break out the garden tools — spring is here!

"Punxsutawney Phil," the Pennsylvania groundhog, emerged from his dwelling at Gobbler's Knob Saturday morning and he did not see his shadow.

"And so ye faithful, there is no shadow to see, an early Spring for you and me," proclaimed Bob Roberts, one of Phil's handlers.

According to folklore, if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and see its shadow, then six more weeks of winter weather is on the way. Since that didn't happen today, spring is expected to come early.

WHDH meteorologist Chris Lambert did say Saturday the area can expect some cold and snow over the next week, but nothing that should require snow blowers and plows.

"Whether our furry friend sees his shadow or not, we have some winter weather to deal with over the next 7-days, mainly in the form of cold weather," he said in his blog. "We'll throw in a few chances of snow, but no back-breaking shoveling."