Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter

In Gobbler’s Knob, PA, at the crack of dawn on February 2, the nation’s most famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow—meaning six more years of winter, according to longstanding folklore.

The annual event has its origin in a German legend that says if a furry rodent casts a shadow on Feb. 2, winter continues. If not, spring comes early – Oregon Live

Phil ‘predicted’ an early spring last year and six more weeks of winter 2023, 2021, and 2021. According to the NOAA, in 2024, the contiguous United States saw above average temperatures in February and above average temperatures in March of last year. Phil was spot on in his forecast.

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Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow and predicts six more weeks of winter! #GroundhogDay pic.twitter.com/eevOY4XuIk

— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) February 2, 2025

According to records dating back to 1887, Phil has predicted winter 21 times. According to the NOAA Phil is correct about 40% of the time.

In 2023, when he saw his shadow, Phil forecasted a “long winter” and predicted an additional six weeks of wintry temperatures. In fact, the contiguous United States saw one of its snowiest winters on record across much of the western United States last year, with snow falling well into the springtime, so Phil was pretty spot on.