Every year on February 2nd, the citizens of the United States and Canada await a prophetic rodent to predict the weather for the next six weeks. Today was that day.

A groundhog holding food
Credit: Canva
loading...

Punxsutawney Phil, the Groundhog, emerged from his burrow early this morning and did not see his shadow, meaning an early spring for North America. While Phil is a flawed prophet, it's best to take his word as gospel.

KWCD Country logo
Get our free mobile app
A Cactus with a flower bloom
Credit: Canva
loading...

With that being said, here's what to expect over the next six weeks in Cochise County.

Heating Up

Summer is brutal in Arizona, with high temperatures and dry weather, it's what makes this state a tried and true desert. Spring, on the other hand, holds much more comfortable living conditions.

A woman blocking the sun with her hand
Credit: Canva
loading...

Like with most other places in the U.S., Arizona's spring is mildly temperate, hosting beautiful sunrises and a midday sun that feels nice on your skin (and not like it's burning you to a crisp).

With that being said, Cochise County residents should look forward to the extra weeks of Spring, especially with temperatures slightly cooler than those in Phoenix and Glendale.

A woman relaxing in the sun
Credit: Canva
loading...

Wildflowers in Bloom

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
loading...

The biggest thing those in Southern Arizona can look forward to during early spring is earlier wildflower blooms. The desert begins to bloom at winter's end, blossoming into a painted canvas littered with Poppies and Lupines.

These explosions of wildflowers across the stark desert landscape are a sight to behold, and an earlier spring means more time with the quintessential natural beauty that makes Cochise County and Southern Arizona unique.

Wildflowers blooming on mountains
Credit: Canva
loading...

While Punxsutawney Phil may not be the most accurate guesser of weather patterns, it doesn't hurt to hope for the dreary winter to come to a close and for a beautiful spring to bloom in its place.

Top 10 Misconceptions Outsiders Have About Arizona

Most non-residents have a very different view of the Grand Canyon State than reality. Here are the top things people get wrong.

New to Arizona? 15 Dead Give Aways You "Ain't From Around These Parts"

You're not from Arizona? We know. Here are 15 ways we spot out-of-towners.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson/TSM

Fleeing Arizona? Here are the Top 10 States People from Arizona are Moving to Most

You might be looking for a cooler climate with four seasons. Perhaps you want to live closer to your friends and family. Or maybe you're in the middle of a big life change and ready for something different.

No matter the reason, people just like you are fleeing Arizona, and their reasons are as varied as the number of cactus we have in the Grand Canyon State.

According to the US Census Bureau, Here are the top 10 states that people fleeing Arizona are moving to.

Gallery Credit: Val Davidson

More From KWCD Country