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Is spring coming to Michigan soon?

Groundhog Woody the Woodchuck, Michigan’s official weather-forecasting groundhog. Photo courtesy Howell Nature Center.

Depends on whom you ask. Ask Woody.

Feb. 12, 2025

There are conflicting forecasts.

One school of thought, from the Farmer’s Almanac, predicts snow showers for later in February and a wintery mix for the first few days of March for Michigan.

Anyone thinking about a polar vortex again?

Another perspective comes from Woody the Woodchuck.

Michigan’s official groundhog predicted an early end to winter.

A prognosticator since 1999, Woody rendered the decision at Howell Nature Center’s 27th annual Groundhog Day Celebration Feb. 2, when she didn’t see her shadow within 30 seconds.

“We embrace Woody the Woodchuck’s optimistic outlook,” said Kirstie Staelens. Enbridge’s senior advisor for Community Engagement.

“Fortunately, our region can depend on Enbridge Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac to meet our energy needs throughout the year regardless of whether Woody proves to be right, or wrong.”

The Upper Peninsula depends on products that Line 5 carries that are turned into propane for both heating and cooking.

Being prepared is important, even during a late winter

While many might welcome an early spring, winter’s official end is March 20.

With that in mind, Staelens who lives in Michigan believes many Michiganders still might welcome a few helpful energy-saving tips to use through the waning days of winter.

Headshot of employee 

“While winter seems to be waning in places . . . it’s always a good idea to check your heater and thermostat so you’re not surprised.”

—Kirstie Staelens, Enbridge senior advisor of community engagement in Michigan


The nonprofit Michigan Saves offers several energy-efficiency tips, including:

  1. Getting your furnace inspected—at least once a year
  2. Changing your filters—if you have a heat pump or forced-air furnace, check the filter each month and clean or replace it as needed (typically every three months)
  3. Adjusting your thermostat—lowering the thermostat by even seven degrees;10 degrees for eight hours a day potentially can save 10 percent a year
  4. Stopping air leaks and adding insulation—eliminating drafts around windows, doors and baseboards with weather stripping or caulking
  5. Running ceiling fans clockwise—this will help to push warm air down from the ceiling

An ounce of prevention . . .

“A few simple steps often can help each of us save on our energy bills,” said Staelens.

“Even if Woody is correct and spring comes early, they are beneficial tips to use next winter. And if Woody is wrong…we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“Stay healthy, warm and safe.”