Hold onto your scarves and mittens—The Beast at Kings Island is gearing up for its annual meteorological proclamation, and the question on everyone’s minds is, will it be six more weeks of winter or an early spring?

As the roller coaster aficionados in southwest Ohio eagerly await the morning of February 2, The Beast is set to cast its shadow and unveil its prediction for the upcoming season. For those uninitiated, if The Beast sees its shadow, brace yourself for six more weeks of winter; if it can’t catch a glimpse of its silhouette, rejoice in the promise of an early spring.

This year’s forecast holds an added layer of excitement, as it marks the 17th installment in the quirky tradition that I initiated in 2008 while working in the marketing department at the Mason, Ohio amusement park. Will The Beast maintain its streak of shadow-induced longer winters, or will it surprise us with an early spring prediction? The suspense is palpable as we await the roller coaster oracle’s verdict.

Before we uncover the 2024 forecast, let’s reminisce about The Beast’s weather predictions over the past 16 years:

2023: Longer Winter

2022: Early Spring

2021: Longer Winter

2020: Early Spring

2019: Early Spring

2018: Early Spring

2017: Early Spring

2016: Early Spring

2015: Longer Winter

2014: Longer Winter

2013: Early Spring

2012: Longer Winter

2011: Early Spring

2010: Early Spring

2009: Longer Winter

2008: Early Spring

As The Beast takes its place in the meteorological spotlight once again, southwest Ohio prepares for the whimsy and wonder of Beast Day. Regardless of the outcome, this annual tradition showcases the unique intersection of roller coasters and weather predictions, proving that even amusement park rides can have their meteorological moment. Stay tuned as we eagerly await The Beast’s 2024 forecast, wondering whether it will be a prolonged winter or the early arrival of spring.

Required reading: Tower Topics a Passionate Journey into the Heart of Kings Island