🏆 February Showdown Verdict: Pig Spleen vs. Supercomputer
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Running Score: Pig Spleen 2—Weather Supercomputer 1
A frost‑covered prairie under a restless sky. On one side, a digital thermometer climbing into record territory. On the other, a humble pig spleen sitting beside a parka and a raincoat—because this is Saskatchewan, and we prepare for everything.
After a February that felt like three seasons in 28 days, it’s time to settle Round Two of our winter weather showdown. We saw record‑breaking warmth, a polar vortex, and wind gusts that rattled every rooftop in Gull Lake. So who read the month better?
The Contenders
The Supercomputer: Environment Canada’s long‑range models, powered by satellites, global data, and climate analytics.
The Pig Spleen: A long‑running Tompkins tradition where a pig spleen from a local farm is examined for clues about the months ahead.
Yes—it's real. And yes—it's still going strong.
All comparisons use February 2026 data from the Swift Current Airport.
🖥️ The Statistical Winner: The Supercomputer
Environment Canada predicted a “record‑warm” February, and that call was spot‑on. By mid‑month, Saskatchewan shattered temperature records dating back to the 1930s. The average temperature for the first two weeks ran nearly 6°C above the 30‑year normal.
Daily forecasts eventually caught the storms, but the long‑range guidance was clear:
Warm. Mild. Dry.
If you looked at your heating bill or noticed bare pavement in February, the machine earned this point.
On the big‑picture data, the supercomputer wins.
🐷 The Timing Winner: The Pig Spleen
But the spleen wasn’t done.
This year’s Pig Spleen Forecast warned of heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions early in February. Sure enough, on February 2, while the models still leaned toward a calm Pacific flow, we woke up to a messy mix of snow, freezing rain, and fog.
The spleen also highlighted February 24–27 as an “active” period. Right on schedule, the rollercoaster dropped—bringing 100+ km/h winds and drifting snow that turned commutes into white‑knuckle drives.
The supercomputer gave us the averages.
The spleen gave us the dates.
🤝 Final Score: The Spleen Takes the Round
January was a draw.
February goes to the Pig Spleen.
The supercomputer nailed the historic warmth, but its “mild and dry” outlook missed both the early‑month blast and the late‑month windstorm—events the spleen flagged months in advance.
The spleen’s advice—keep both a parka and a raincoat handy—turned out to be the most practical guidance all month.
Running Score:
• Pig Spleen: 2
• Weather Supercomputer: 1
🌾 Prairie Takeaway
The supercomputer predicted a “February on fire” —
but the pig spleen knew exactly when the fire would go out.
🗳️ Community Poll: Who Won February?
🗳️ Who won February’s weather showdown?
🐷 Pig Spleen — Nailed the early storm + late chaos
🖥️ Supercomputer — Got the record warmth right
🌬️ Mother Nature — Neither one had it right
For more local weather lore, check out the Pig Spleen Weather Prognostication Facebook page for updates from Jeff Woodward.
Published by: Gull Lake Events
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