On February 2, the rest of the country cares whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not, but in Texas, winter ends early when Amarillo Al, the armadillo, walks out onto the highway.

Texas tradition says that if Amarillo Al makes it across the road, winter continues; if he gets hit by a car, winter ends.

That’s why its always summer in Texas.

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By the way, did you know that Groundhog Day comes from a Christian tradition? The Groundhog Day tradition comes from a Scottish poem about Candlemas Day, a Christian holiday on Feb. 2, commemorating Jesus’ presentation at the temple after his birth:

If Candlemas Day is bright and clear, There’ll be two winters in the year. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again.