Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter

(TNND) — The wait is over, and the verdict is in: Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous groundhog, has predicted six more weeks of winter. On Sunday, February 2, 2025, Phil saw his shadow during the annual Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, much to the delight—or dismay—of the large crowd gathered for the occasion.

Every year on February 2, members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club make their way to Gobbler’s Knob, the official home of the weather-predicting groundhog. This quirky tradition, which dates back more than a century in western Pennsylvania, has deep roots in European folklore. According to legend, if Phil does not see his shadow, an early spring is on the way. But if he does see his shadow, as he did this year, winter will linger for six more weeks.
The event, now in its 139th year, was marked by the familiar sight of Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holding Phil aloft as the crowd eagerly awaited the groundhog’s prediction. The ceremony, steeped in tradition and charm, continues to draw thousands of spectators and media attention from around the world.
Historically, Phil has predicted a longer winter more often than an early spring. According to the Associated Press, the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) analyzed Phil’s accuracy and found that, over the past decade, his predictions have been correct only 30% of the time. While Phil’s forecasts may not always align with meteorological data, the tradition remains a beloved part of American culture.

Meanwhile, AccuWeather meteorologists are preparing to release their official spring forecast on Wednesday. According to Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s Long-Range Expert, this year’s spring weather may not be as straightforward as Phil’s prediction suggests. "We're already seeing spring establishing itself in the South," Pastelok noted, hinting at a more complex weather pattern ahead.
Whether you trust Phil’s shadow or the latest meteorological models, one thing is certain: Groundhog Day is a lighthearted reminder that winter’s grip won’t last forever. For now, though, it seems Punxsutawney Phil is advising us to keep our coats and snow shovels handy for a little while longer.
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