Making weather predictions is never easy, but many groups attempt to do it anyway, including meteorologists, groundhogs and — perhaps the most unique and interesting — pig spleen prognosticators.
Jeff Woodward, one of the more well-known pig spleen prognosticators, has been predicting the weather by analyzing pig spleens for 14 years. He took over from his late uncle Gus Wickstrom, well-known as the pig spleen weather forecaster for decades.
Surrounded by family and friends, Woodward conducted his 2023 prognostications late last year in Moose Jaw by looking at spleens from Cobler Farm near Gull Lake and the Earview Hutterite Colony.
“Several spleens were thoroughly examined to provide an ensemble forecast, similar to predictions put forth by Environment and Climate Change Canada,” he joked in a message posted to Facebook on Feb. 2.
To maintain tradition and ensure accuracy, the group made several toasts with alcohol — Aquavit — in the traditional Scandinavian fashion.
To perform a prediction, a spleen is divided into six equal parts representing January to June. When interpreted properly, prognosticators can tell what the temperature and weather might be based on the spleens’ fat, Woodward explained. Meanwhile, any abnormalities like bumps or scars signify cold weather or a major event occurring within that time.
“Any forecast outside of this time frame is not possible, and any charlatans that claim otherwise are therefore breaking the guidelines (and tradition),” he said.
2023 predictions
This year the spleens contained more fat than average, while there were no major abnormalities that would indicate a noteworthy event, Woodward reported.
The larger amount of fat suggests the weather “will be highly variable,” which means the pig was likely preparing for big swings in temperature and higher-than-average precipitation, both of which take their toll on the animal’s metabolism, he continued.
February
February starts cold, but that ends by mid-month, although there “is a strange reversal” that could happen after the first seven to 10 days and return to cold temperatures for a short time. However, average to above-average temperatures occur later in the month.
Winter’s peak likely occurs around Feb. 25, when the temperature moves toward a general warming trend until the spring.
“While there will be snow and rain events scattered throughout … February bringing lots of snow, there are no really significant events or exceptional storms,” Woodward predicted.
March/April
March will be warm until about the 12th, when it becomes colder than normal, which will be typical of spring — cooler and wetter than normal. There could be major snow and rain around the 15th that bring exceptional winds.
April will be similar to March until about the 12th when it cools off again. This will be abrupt and persist with a gradual warming trend during the last week of the month. Also, there could be major precipitation from April 8 to 10.
May/June
May will see average temperatures and general warming compared to what the province normally sees, Woodward speculated. There will be plenty of wind and precipitation around the 10th, which should be bigger than normal. This could provide much-needed moisture for seeded crops and crops seeded after this date.
June will be cool, gradually warming toward normal temperatures by the last week of the month. In particular, the 3rd and 20th should see rain.
“And remember, wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine,” Woodward added. “And, a case of beer in case the weather really sucks.”
