PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — It’s official: Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow, meaning winter is sticking around for at least six more weeks, according to the famous Groundhog Day tradition.
Crowds gathered before sunrise at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney as Phil was brought out by his top-hatted handlers from the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Moments later, the announcement was made — more winter weather is on the way.
The tradition dates back more than a century and has roots in old European farming customs tied to seasonal cycles. The event has since grown into a major annual celebration, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond.
Phil’s handlers say his forecast is delivered in “groundhogese,” a series of winks, nods, and movements that they interpret into a seasonal prediction.
Historically, Phil’s most common forecast has been six more weeks of winter — an outcome many expect during early February.
While Phil is the most famous weather-predicting groundhog, similar celebrations take place in communities across the U.S. and Canada each year.
Groundhog Day falls on February 2, marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox — a date also tied to ancient Celtic traditions and the Christian holiday of Candlemas.
