Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Weather on Groundhog Day Tradition

Every 2 February since the late 1880s, Punxsutawney Phil emerges to predict weather. If he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter follow; if not, spring is near. NOAA reports his forecasts have a 35% accuracy rate over 20 years.

Annual Groundhog Day Event in Punxsutawney

Since the late 1880s, every 2 February, people have gathered in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to witness a groundhog being brought out of his burrow and shown to the crowd. This event is part of a long-standing tradition centered around the groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil.

The Legend Behind the Prediction

The folklore states that if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow upon emerging, it signifies that there will be six more weeks of winter. Conversely, if he does not see his shadow, it indicates that spring is approaching soon.

Accuracy of Punxsutawney Phil's Forecasts

According to the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the accuracy of Punxsutawney Phil's weather predictions has been approximately 35% over the past 20 years.

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