Cold Weather Ahead! Baltimore Bill, the Weather-Predicting Crab, Forecasts an Early Winter

Hunt Valley, Md. (Sept. 26, 2015) – With the official arrival of fall, Baltimore Bill, The Weather-Predicting Crab, plunged into the waters of the Baltimore Inner Harbor today for his annual forecast. And, sadly, Bill predicted chilly temperatures are ahead this autumn. In front of a crowd at the Baltimore Book Festival, Bill, also joined by his friends from OLD BAY and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, shuffled down the plank’s “Early Winter” exit and dove back into the harbor to swim south for warmer water. As Bill has accurately predicted the fall forecast the past three consecutive years, residents of the mid-Atlantic should feel confident it’ll soon be time to break out those mittens, scarves and coats.

Al Bumbry, former Orioles outfielder, provided the play-by-play of Bill’s forecast today. “When it comes to accurate forecasts, Bill’s in the big leagues,” he said. “So although I’m disappointed that the warm weather won’t last much longer, I know that by trusting Bill’s prediction, our bases will be covered and we’ll be well prepared for the season ahead.”

“Making fall forecasts is my specialty, and I feel confident that an early winter is indeed what our region can expect,” said Bill, who was interviewed via bay phone from the Inner Harbor. “I know it may not be the news people were hoping for, but I trust my lucky claw in steering me toward the best prediction.”

Ever since Bill was spawned in the lower Chesapeake Bay, he was different from other crabs. When he was hatched, Bill is said to have raised a claw in the water, felt a warm current and headed off to share his special weather-predicting power with the world. Last year and in 2013, Bill correctly predicted mild fall weather, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees in October. And in 2012, when Bill predicted an early winter, the first snowflakes appeared in Baltimore on Nov. 13.

OLD BAY is encouraging members of the public to weigh-in on Baltimore Bill’s prediction by visiting OLD BAY on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldbay.

About OLD BAY

For over 75 years, this distinctive blend of herbs and spices has been a time-honored taste. Just as the recipe hasn’t changed, neither has the iconic yellow and blue can. Once only enjoyed by a lucky few along the Chesapeake Bay, OLD BAY® Seasoning has gained fans all across the country. Best known as THE seasoning for shrimp, salmon, crab and other seafood dishes, these days, OLD BAY is used to flavor hamburgers, chicken, pizza, pasta, vegetable dishes and more. OLD BAY Seasoning is also available with 30% less sodium and has been the inspiration for 15 additional offerings. For information and recipes, visit www.oldbay.com and www.facebook.com/oldbay.

OLD BAY is one of McCormick & Company’s (MKC) portfolio brands. As a global leader in flavor, McCormick has built a portfolio of leading flavor brands that enhance people’s enjoyment of food all around the world. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. McCormick Brings Passion to Flavor™.

About the Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov.

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