No one’s saying that we should turn our backs on the groundhog, but there’s an easier way, and the groundhog gets to sleep in.
PAX, W.Va. — While the U.S. and Canada turn to the groundhog on February 2 for an end-of-winter forecast, a new online tool created in West Virginia is poised for a stand-off with the scrappy rodent.
Created by West Virginia developer Jonathan Moore, the “Early Spring Predictor” uses real-time weather data and historical temperature trends to estimate whether spring will arrive early or if winter will hold on for six more weeks.
According to tradition, if a groundhog leaves its burrow on that day and sees its shadow, winter will last another six weeks. It’s a cloudy day and its shadow doesn’t appear, warmer weather will arrive sooner.
Moore says he doesn’t have anything against groundhogs, but that he found building the app just as much fun as waiting for the groundhog to appear.
“Instead of relying on a groundhog’s shadow, the app uses the user’s location and fetches the latest 14-day temperature forecast,” he said. “It then contrasts that with last year’s average February temperatures.”
Groundhog lore in West Virginia is partly derived from Pennsylvania Dutch superstitions.
While meteorologists have long scoffed at the idea of shadow-based forecasting, the tradition is a time-honored excuse for a late-winter celebration.
It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den, and winter will go on for six more weeks. If it doesn’t see its shadow, spring will arrive earlier.
The weather lore was brought from German-speaking areas where the badger is the forecasting animal. In Hungary, the bear serves the same purpose, and badgers were only watched when bears were not around. It’s also related to the lore that clear weather on the Christian festival of Candlemas forebodes a prolonged winter.
In actuality, meteorlogical spring is reckoned to begin March 1 when winter begins to lose its grip. Astronomical spring is said to begin at the vernal equinox, which usually falls on March 19, 20, and 21.
Though built for fun, the Early Spring Predictor is accurate
Moore’s tool cuts to the chase, offering data-backed predictions immediately. It also features seasonal visuals, changing the background and animations based on whether the result is an early spring or a prolonged winter.
Snowflakes drift across the screen for a winter forecast, while fluffy clouds and a springtime backdrop appear when temperatures are expected to rise.
Moore, who’s a senior software engineer and cybersecurity specialist, is no stranger to web applications. Known for his work on West Virginia Explorer and other digital projects, he created the predictor as a fun, practical way to apply weather data APIs.
“This started as a small coding project, but I realized it could actually provide an interesting, location-based prediction,” Moore said.
“It’s not meant to replace meteorologists, but it gives people a fun way to check if they should start looking forward to spring or brace for more winter.”
While Phil may still be the star attraction on February 2, Moore’s tool offers a 21st-century way to predict the seasonal shift without waiting for a groundhog to emerge from its burrow.
Every year on February 2nd, people across the country eagerly await the prediction of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog from Pennsylvania, to determine whether we will have six more weeks of winter or an early spring. However, a new contender from West Virginia is set to shake up this age-old tradition.
Introducing the Digital Groundhog, a cutting-edge AI creation that has been programmed to accurately predict the end of winter with unprecedented precision. Developed by a team of tech experts in the Mountain State, this digital groundhog uses sophisticated algorithms and data analysis to make its prediction, leaving traditional methods in the dust.
With its state-of-the-art technology and unmatched accuracy, the Digital Groundhog is poised to overtake Punxsutawney Phil as the go-to source for weather predictions on Groundhog Day. Will this digital newcomer be able to steal the spotlight and become the new face of the end-of-winter tradition? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned on February 2nd to see if the Digital Groundhog’s prediction aligns with Punxsutawney Phil’s, or if this high-tech contender will revolutionize the way we celebrate Groundhog Day. Get ready for a new era of weather forecasting with the Digital Groundhog from West Virginia.
The West Virginia State Wildlife Center is gearing up to host its 48th annual Groundhog Day celebration on February 2nd. The event, held at the wildlife center in Upshur County, promises a fun-filled day for all attendees.
Visitors can look forward to seeing the beloved resident groundhog, French Creek Freddie, as he emerges from his burrow to predict the weather for the coming weeks. The celebration will also feature live music, food vendors, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
In addition to the festivities, guests will have the opportunity to explore the wildlife center and learn about the various native species that call West Virginia home. From black bears to bobcats, there’s plenty to see and discover at the center.
So mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun and festivities at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center’s 48th annual Groundhog Day celebration. Don’t miss out on this beloved tradition in the Mountain State!
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SUN PRAIRIE − Jimmy the Groundhog is on a hot streak, at least in terms of his recent weather prognostications.
For the fifth time in seven years, Jimmy did not see his shadow on Groundhog Day morning, meaning he predicted an early spring Sunday at the 77th annual Sun Prairie Groundhog Prognostication in downtown Sun Prairie. Mayor Paul Esser relayed Jimmy’s prediction to the hundreds of onlookers gathered at sunrise in the Cannery Square.
Hundreds of onlookers gather at sunrise to hear Jimmy the Groundhog’s weather prediction on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Cannery Square in downtown Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, for the 77th annual Sun Prairie Groundhog Day Prognostication event.
The prognostication event kicked off more Groundhog Day fun across the city, including the Hibernation Hustle 5K & Kids Dash in downtown, a Pancake Toss Breakfast with Jimmy the Groundhog at the Angell Park Pavilion, and a sled dog demo at Wetmore Park. The big day capped the city’s Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department’s annual five-day Frozen Fest, which featured a puzzle contest, the Groundhog Open Putt Putt Bar Crawl and a candlelit hike and bonfire at the Patrick Marsh Wildlife Area, among other activities.
While temperatures have been rising in recent days, a return to wintry weather awaits most of Wisconsin this week. According to the National Weather Service, high temperatures for Monday and Tuesday range from the low 20s further north to low 30s in the southern parts of the state, with a chance of snow or a wintry mix in store for much of Wisconsin on Wednesday and Thursday.
As we eagerly await the arrival of spring, many are wondering if the recent snowfall means more winter is on the way or if warmer weather is just around the corner. In Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, residents turn to a furry meteorologist named Jimmy the Groundhog for answers.
On February 2nd, Jimmy emerged from his burrow and did not see his shadow, indicating an early spring is on the way. This prediction is a stark contrast to Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast of six more weeks of winter.
While some may be skeptical of a groundhog’s weather forecasting abilities, Jimmy has been surprisingly accurate in the past. Residents of Sun Prairie are hopeful that Jimmy’s prediction will hold true and that warmer weather will soon be on its way.
Regardless of what the weather may bring, one thing is for certain – spring is just around the corner and we can all look forward to longer days, blooming flowers, and outdoor adventures. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Jimmy the Groundhog is right and that an early spring is on the horizon.
MADISON, Wis. – Every year on February 2nd, Wisconsinites wait to see whether or not Jimmy the Groundhog sees their shadow, predicting either six more weeks of winter or an early spring. And according to the National Weather Service, Jimmy is fairly accurate.
According to the city of Sun Prairie’s website, February 2nd, 2025, will mark 77 years that a groundhog has been making predictions as to whether or not winter will continue to six more weeks or if spring will come early.
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Last year, Jimmy did not see his shadow calling for an early spring, which did occur. The year before, in 2023, Jimmy predicted six more weeks of winter. So how accurate is Jimmy? According to NOAA… Jimmy is a good meteorologist.
Over the last 20 years, Jimmy has an accuracy of 60% making him one of the best groundhogs in the nation. The best groundhog, when it comes to predicting whether or not spring will come early, is Staten Island Chuck who boasts an 85% accuracy. Compared to Punxsutawney Phil, who has a 30% accuracy rate, Jimmy is much more accurate. But there’s something to consider.
Jimmy’s accuracy percent is over the last 20 years while Punxsutawney has been forecasting since 1887… 138 years. There’s going to be more room for errors over a longer period of time which will cause the accuracy percentage to go down.
Clouds are expected to linger during the morning hours in the Sun Prairie area during the time when Jimmy is expected to make his prediction. So Wisconsin may be in store for an early spring if he doesn’t see his shadow.
For the most accurate forecast, though, make sure that you are following the meteorologists at News 3 Now.
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Every year on February 2nd, all eyes turn to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerges from his burrow to predict the weather for the coming weeks. But did you know that Phil isn’t the only forecasting groundhog in town?
Meet Jimmy the Groundhog, the lesser-known weather prognosticator who also makes his prediction on Groundhog Day in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. While Phil may be the more famous of the two, Jimmy has a prediction history that is just as intriguing.
Over the years, Jimmy has made some bold and sometimes controversial predictions. In 2014, he predicted an early spring, much to the delight of the crowd gathered to watch him emerge from his burrow. However, his prediction was met with skepticism when a late-season snowstorm hit the region just days later.
Despite the occasional misstep, Jimmy has a dedicated following of fans who eagerly await his prediction each year. Will he see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter, or will he herald the arrival of an early spring? Only time will tell.
So next Groundhog Day, don’t just focus on Punxsutawney Phil. Keep an eye on Jimmy the Groundhog and see if his prediction holds true. Who knows, he may just surprise us all with his accuracy.
Woodstock Willie, the famous groundhog from Woodstock, Illinois, has made his highly anticipated Groundhog Day prediction for 2022. With crowds of excited onlookers gathered around, Willie emerged from his burrow and did not see his shadow, signaling an early spring.
The crowd erupted in cheers and celebration as Willie’s prediction was announced. Many are hopeful that this early spring forecast will bring warmer weather and an end to the winter chill.
Woodstock Willie has been making Groundhog Day predictions for over 25 years, and his accuracy rate is impressive. Whether you believe in his weather forecasting abilities or not, one thing is for certain – this furry little groundhog brings joy and excitement to the annual tradition of Groundhog Day.
So, here’s to an early spring and warmer days ahead, thanks to Woodstock Willie’s prediction!
In Chicago, Groundhog Day doesn’t just come with a spring prediction from Woodstock Willie or Chicago Harry — it also comes with the honoring of a famous movie, over, and over, and over again.
You may have heard of it: the cult classic movie 1993 Groundhog Day, directed by Chicago native Harold Ramis, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, was filmed in none other than the suburb of Woodstock, Illinois.
Sunday, on Groundhog Day itself, Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier will honor the movie and late director, with the “2nd annual Harold Ramis Day” and a celebration of the film through themed movie food, movie memorabilia, actor appearances and of course, a groundhog.
Every February, a furry animal tells Americans how long winter will last, but do you know why? NBC Chicago meteorologist Kevin Jeanes explains.
“Harry Caray’s Tavern will transform into a fully immersive Groundhog Day experience, featuring food and beverages inspired by Groundhog Day’s Tip Top Café.” a release said. “Several artifacts from Harold’s storied career will be on display, including the Armani coat Bill Murray wore in Groundhog Day, the jumpsuits worn by Harold Ramis and Bill Murray in Ghostbusters, and several of Harold’s leather-bound shooting scripts, including Groundhog Day.”
The celebration begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, organizers said, when fan-favorite film character “Ned Ryerson,” played by Stephen Tobolowsky will lead a special Groundhog Day ceremony, during which Chicago Harry — a live groundhog — will emerge from his tree stump to reveal what the forecast holds.
Upon his emergence, everyone will wait with bated breath to see if Chicago Harry sees his shadow. If he does, legend has it there will be six more weeks of winter. But if not, spring comes early.
“He put up a little bit of a fight last year,” said well see if he’s feeling frisky this year,” Danielle Borisy director of marketing at Harry Caray’s told NBC Chicago.
Other special guests from the movie set to attend the event are Peggy Roeder, who plays the piano teacher, and Richard Henzel, who plays the DJ.
The beloved cast members of the iconic movie ‘Groundhog Day’ reunited for a special celebration in Chicago over the weekend. The event was held in honor of the film’s 25th anniversary and brought together stars such as Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott.
Fans were thrilled to see the cast members together again, reminiscing about the making of the classic comedy and sharing behind-the-scenes stories. The event also featured a screening of the movie, followed by a Q&A session with the cast.
The reunion was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for both the cast and fans, who continue to cherish ‘Groundhog Day’ as a timeless classic. The film, which follows a weatherman who finds himself stuck in a time loop, has remained a favorite among audiences since its release in 1993.
Overall, the Chicago celebration was a heartwarming gathering that reminded everyone of the enduring magic of ‘Groundhog Day’ and the talented actors who brought it to life.
Groundhog Day 2025 brought conflicting predictions from two famous groundhogs – Woodstock Willie and Punxsutawney Phil. While Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and forecasted six more weeks of winter.
This rare occurrence has left many wondering which groundhog to believe. Will Woodstock Willie’s prediction come true, bringing warmer weather sooner than expected? Or will Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast hold true, extending the winter season for a few more weeks?
Only time will tell which groundhog was right, but one thing is for sure – Groundhog Day continues to be a fun and quirky tradition that captures the attention of people all across the country. Let’s hope that whichever prediction comes true, we can all enjoy the changing seasons and embrace whatever weather comes our way.
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Punxsutawney Phil made his annual prediction in front of a crowd of enthusiastic fans.
The groundhog emerges from his burrow every year to see his shadow – or not.
Statistics show Phil’s tongue-in-cheek prognostications aren’t very accurate.
Before a huge crowd filled with excitement and anticipation, and bundled up against temperatures in the 20s, the groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday morning in central Pennsylvania. That means we could see six more weeks of winter , at least according to Groundhog Day lore.
Phil’s prediction comes on the heels of some of the most extreme winter weather in recent memory. Last month was the coldest January on record in the U.S. since 2014, and Jan. 21 was the second-coldest day nationally in 29 years. And don’t forget Winter Storm Enzo, which broke snowfall records across parts of the South, including more than 9 inches in the Florida Panhandle.
Our latest outlook for February shows warmer-than-average temperatures for most of the East and South, but a colder February for the Northwest, Northern Rockies and Northern Plains.
Is Punxsutawney Phil Accurate?
Last February, the groundhog didn’t seehis shadow. “While there is no scientific basis for forecasting how early spring weather will arrive based simply on one morning’s cloud cover, Punxsutawney Phil’s early spring prediction last year couldn’t have worked out better,” weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman said about the 2024 prediction.
“A late February ‘heat wave’ smashed February or winter records from Texas to the Great Lakes, with 70s as far north as Michigan. Neighboring Ohio and West Virginia had their warmest February-April period in 130 years.”
An analysis by the National Weather Service found that, over the last 20 years, Punxsy Phil was right 35% of the time. This year, the NWS decided to have a little more fun by pitting Phil’s accuracy against 18 competing groundhogs, stuffed imposters and even a turtle. Phil came in third to last.
How Did Groundhog Day Start?
Groundhog Day organizers acknowledge that the “holiday” exists mostly just to break up the monotony of long, dark winters. The idea came to the U.S. with German immigrants and originally involved a hedgehog, according to the official historyof the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The town held its first Groundhog Day celebration in 1887. A series of toothy rodents named Punxsutawney Phil have risen from the burrow every Feb. 2 since.
Weather.com staff writer Jan Childs covers breaking news and features related to weather, space, climate change, the environment and everything in between.
Today is Groundhog Day, and all eyes are on Punxsutawney Phil to see if he will see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter. Stay tuned for updates on whether our furry friend saw his shadow or not! #GroundhogDay #ShadowOrNoShadow
Punxsutawney Phil isn’t the only weather-predicting groundhog that enjoys a day of public spotlight. In northern Ohio, a ground-dweller by the name of Buckeye Chuck has made his call: Spring is coming.
Ohio’s weather-predicting groundhog issued a proclamation Sunday morning, declaring that an early spring is on the way.
Buckeye Chuck may make the official weather prediction in Ohio, but he is far from the only groundhog known for his forecast on Groundhog Day, celebrated every Feb. 2. There’s also General Beauregard Lee in Georgia and Staten Island Chuck in New York. And there’s no forgetting Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania.
Here’s what to know about Buckeye Chuck’s Groundhog Day forecast and how to watch.
Buckeye Chuck gave his forecast between 7-8 a.m. EST on Sunday.
How to watch and listen to Buckeye Chuck’s 2025 Groundhog Day forecast
Buckeye Chuck’s prediction was livestreamed on his Facebook Page. Radio station 1490 WMRN-AM, based in Marion, Ohio, also aired the forecast live − available on the iHeart mobile app.
Who is Buckeye Chuck?
Buckeye Chuck is Ohio’s official weather-predicting groundhog, part of an event hosted by radio station WMRN. He began making predictions in the 1970s and was declared the official State Groundhog by the Ohio General Assembly in 1979.
Last year, Murray, a whistle pig, made his debut as the new “Buckeye Chuck.” He resides at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
In 2023, for the first year, a stuffed groundhog was used to represent Buckeye Chuck. This occurred after complaints were filed by PETA that WMRN used Kokas Exotics, an exotic animal breeder, to supply a live groundhog for each year’s event. PETA claimed that the breeder was only licensed to breed and sell animals, not exhibit them.
What did Buckeye Chuck predict in 2024?
Last year, Buckeye Chuck did not see his shadow, indicating that spring was right around the corner.
Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day is celebrated every Feb. 2, the same day as Candlemas, in which some of the holiday’s traditions originate.
A Christian festival, Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, is celebrated each Feb. 2, 40 days after Christmas. For centuries, Europeans developed different customs associated with the festival, which is the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, according to St. Blase Catholic Church. One of these customs was tied to the weather: the weather on Candlemas would determine the outcome of the remainder of winter. And throughout much of Europe, this custom was associated with animals like bears, badgers and hedgehogs that were beginning to wake from winter hibernation.
When German immigrants arrived to America, they found the groundhog in Pennsylvania, which reminded them of the hedgehog in their home country, according to St. Blase Catholic Church. And thus, this is how the groundhog was given such an important responsibility each year.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
Today, on Groundhog Day 2025, the infamous Buckeye Chuck has made his prediction: spring is coming early to Ohio!
As Ohioans eagerly awaited Buckeye Chuck’s decision, the beloved groundhog emerged from his burrow and did not see his shadow. According to folklore, this means that warmer weather is on its way and that spring will arrive sooner than later.
Many Ohio residents are thrilled to hear this news, especially after enduring a long and cold winter. With the promise of an early spring, people are already looking forward to shedding their winter coats and welcoming the blooming flowers and chirping birds.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy the sunshine because Buckeye Chuck has spoken – spring is just around the corner in Ohio! #GroundhogDay #BuckeyeChuck #EarlySpring
Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog weather watcher, was pulled from his warm burrow this morning and saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
Each February 2, on Groundhog Day, the members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club make the pilgrimage to Gobbler’s Knob — Phil’s official home. Legend has it, if he sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are on the way. If he doesn’t, an early spring arrives.
In reality, winter will end on the spring equinox, known also as the vernal equinox, on March 20 at 5:01 a.m. ET, regardless of Sunday’s prediction. But weather conditions don’t always follow the timetable — and neither does Phil.
Phil has been prognosticating since the late 1800s but his recent predictions would have a better track record if he just flipped a coin: He has only been right about 35% of the time since 2005, according to data analyzed by NOAA.
Phil’s call for an early spring last year came true. February 2024 was the third warmest on record for the Lower 48. March also ended up much warmer than normal, according to NOAA data.
There are more consistent experts to turn to when Phil falters.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center produce forecasts for temperatures and precipitation across the US on timescales ranging from one week to more than a year.
Their outlook for February calls for above-average temperatures, or a potential early spring, from parts of the Rockies through the South and much of the East. Below-average temperatures from the Pacific Northwest into parts of the Midwest could be an extended winter. These regional trends are likely to continue into early spring, the center’s forecasts through April show.
Rounds of brutal cold have pounded the eastern half of the US all winter.
But the West has remained warm this winter following the warmest fall on record for the Lower 48. Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Francisco are just a few cities experiencing one of their 10-warmest winters.
Warmer winters aren’t a fluke, even when punctuated with seasonably appropriate cold. Winter has become the fastest-warming season for nearly 75% of the US as temperatures rise globally in a world warming due to fossil fuel pollution.
So, Phil’s prediction of six more weeks of winter is a bad bet in a warming world.
Each year on February 2nd, all eyes turn to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as the world’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerges from his burrow to predict the weather for the upcoming weeks. This morning, Phil saw his shadow, signaling six more weeks of winter.
According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he doesn’t see his shadow, then spring will come early. This tradition dates back to the 1800s and continues to captivate audiences around the world.
While some may be disappointed by Phil’s prediction of extended winter weather, others embrace the opportunity to enjoy winter activities for a little while longer. Whether you’re a fan of snow or longing for warmer days, Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast serves as a fun and lighthearted reminder of the changing seasons.
As we settle in for a few more weeks of winter, let’s make the most of it by bundling up, sipping hot cocoa, and embracing the beauty of the season. Spring will be here before we know it, but in the meantime, let’s enjoy the cozy moments that winter has to offer.
