Your cart is currently empty!
Tag: Phil
Groundhog Day 2025: Woodstock Willie does not see shadow, predicts early spring meanwhile Punxsutawney Phil predicts late winter
Live streaming newscasts, breaking news, weather & original, local programming.
WOODSTOCK Ill. (WLS) — It’s Groundhog Day and that means Woodstock Willie gave his annual prediction on the weather.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
North suburban Willie made his prediction in front of crowds on Sunday at about 7:15 a.m.
According to his “prognostication,” Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow, meaning we will have an early spring, folklore goes.
Last year, Willie also predicted an early spring.
The city of Woodstock is also hosting a series of Groundhog Day events for the family, including a showing of the 1993 movie that made it famous.
Meanwhile, Punxatawney Phil’s prognostication was six more weeks of winter.
Legend has it, if Phil sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter. But if he doesn’t, spring may be sooner than we think.
For more information, visit www.woodstockgroundhog.org.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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.
Tags:
Groundhog Day 2025, Woodstock Willie, Punxsutawney Phil, early spring prediction, late winter forecast, Groundhog Day celebration, groundhog weather predictions, spring weather forecast, winter weather forecast, Woodstock Willie prediction, Punxsutawney Phil prediction, Groundhog Day tradition
#Groundhog #Day #Woodstock #Willie #shadow #predicts #early #spring #Punxsutawney #Phil #predicts #late #winterDid Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow or is an early spring on the way?
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. – Crowds gathered in Pennsylvania on Sunday, waiting for Punxsutawney Phil to awake and hint at more winter or an early spring.
The sun rose above Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, at 7:24 a.m. EST Sunday, kicking off the annual tradition of looking to a woodchuck for signs of spring.
As Phil emerged from his winter slumber, the woodchuck stood up on a stump and saw his shadow. As the legend goes, Phil’s prognostication indicates Americans are in for six more weeks of winter.
Sunday marked the 139th anniversary of the groundhog prognosticator’s tradition, which has been happening since the 1880s.
FILE: Groundhog handler AJ Derume holds Punxsutawney Phil, who saw his shadow, predicting a late spring during the 136th annual Groundhog Day festivities on February 2, 2022 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
(Photo by Jeff Swensen/Getty Images / Getty Images)
The tradition of celebrating Groundhog Day started as a Christian holiday. Pennsylvania Germans began celebrating it in the late 1880s by eating groundhogs, hunting and having picnics.
While the woodchuck’s prediction is a celebrated tradition, Phil does not usually get the forecast right, with only a 39% accuracy rate. Over the past decade, only three out of 10 predictions have been correct.
It’s that time of year again – Groundhog Day! The famous Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow this morning to predict whether we will have six more weeks of winter or if an early spring is on the way.So, did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? According to the groundhog’s handlers, he did not see his shadow, which means we can expect an early spring this year. This prediction is sure to bring a sigh of relief to those who are tired of the cold and snowy weather.
However, it’s important to remember that Punxsutawney Phil’s accuracy rate is not perfect, and his prediction is all in good fun. Regardless of what the groundhog says, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any kind of weather that may come our way.
Whether you’re a believer in Punxsutawney Phil’s weather forecasting abilities or not, one thing is for sure – spring is just around the corner, and we can look forward to warmer days ahead.
Tags:
- Punxsutawney Phil
- Groundhog Day
- Shadow or Early Spring
- Winter Predictions
- Groundhog Forecast
- Spring Weather
- Punxsutawney Phil’s Prediction
- Groundhog Day Tradition
- Weather Prognostication
- Groundhog Day Ceremony
#Punxsutawney #Phil #shadow #early #spring
Punxsutawney Phil Saw His Shadow : NPR
Punxsutawney Phil takes photos with people during an appearance in town.
Nate Smallwood for NPR
hide captiontoggle caption
Nate Smallwood for NPR
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — The crowd started piling into Gobbler’s Knob at 3 a.m. on Sunday, happy to wait more than four hours in freezing cold to see the celebrity groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his tree trunk on Groundhog Day.
“Phil! Phil! Phil! Phil!” they chanted as the moment finally drew near.
At 7:25 a.m., with sunrise hitting the hillside, members of the Inner Circle — the top-hatted leaders of the Groundhog Club — huddled around the tree trunk standing in the middle of the wide stage. Inner Circle President Tom Dunkel used a wooden cane to rap on Phil’s door. The groundhog was brought out and held up to the sky, setting off a frenzy of cheers.
Thousands of people scrutinized Phil, a photogenic yet inscrutable animal, for any hint of his prediction — and then it came: Phil saw his shadow, predicting winter weather will stick around for six more weeks, like piles of old snow.
Hours earlier, I joined the multitudes streaming across the hillside to fill a large clearing at the edge of the woods. We arrived by car, by bus and on foot (by 4 a.m., the Gobbler’s Knob parking lot was full). The 20-degree cold would — we hoped — be blunted by the excitement of watching a tradition dating to 1887.
Punxsutawney Phil tours the town as visitors stop to catch a glimpse of him on Saturday.
Nate Smallwood for NPR
hide captiontoggle caption
Nate Smallwood for NPR
How to stay warm while awaiting a rodent’s weather prophesy
Groundhog Day enthusiasts employ a range of strategies for coping with the cold and handling an early wakeup call.
“I have a heated vest. I have a heated hat. Have a heated scarf,” Danielle Nola says of her preparations. “So I’ll probably have two or three [layers of clothes] plus that.”
“Same,” her daughter, Olivia, says with a laugh, adding that she will wear at least two layers of socks.
“One year it was zero degrees,” says Brian Lutgens of Blacksburg, Va. “We had the heat packs on our necks and chest and shoes, and layers upon layers. And we were surprisingly comfortable the whole time. So, it can be done.”
Cami Lutgens, his wife, adds that the energy of the crowd helps: “Everybody’s dancing and they just have great entertainment. The guys who are up there on the on the stage just keep us all energized.”
The main event isn’t the only party
Saturday was a full-on party in Punxsutawney, as visitors welcomed Groundhog Day falling on a Sunday.
“We’re expecting that 40,000 people will flock to Punxsutawney this weekend,” Anne Ryan, Pennsylvania’s deputy secretary of tourism, tells NPR.
Many of those visitors flocked to Punxsy Pizza, in the town’s center.
“We’ve been planning for months for this day” because of the weekend timing, the restaurant’s owner, Scott Anthony, says. “Since we opened the doors [Saturday] morning, it’s been a line of people. Our tables have been full. We have people standing and eating and a lot of action here at the bar.”
In Barclay Square, the town’s center, people lined up to get an early peek at Phil in his burrow habitat. Last year, Phil became a dad to two young kits, Shadow and Sunny.
Joggers gather prior to the Groundhog Jog 4 Mile Run in Punxsutawney.
Nate Smallwood for NPR
hide captiontoggle caption
Nate Smallwood for NPR
“It was really exciting,” a young visitor named Emily tells me. She and her family traveled from Pittsburgh, about 80 miles away. “I saw three of them,” she adds. “I think one was Phil’s wife, Phyllis.”
Nearby, food trucks, craft makers, local breweries and distillers did brisk business, while rock bands played on a large stage.
In that festival-like atmosphere, some visitors seek to extend their revelry well into the night — perhaps even until 3 a.m., when Gobbler’s Knob opens on Groundhog Day.
“After supper time, it turns into more of a party, that’s for sure,” Anthony says. “We close at midnight, most bars close at 2. And then people just have to hang loose until the buses start at 3 a.m. to go up to the Knob.”
His bar will “probably go through about six kegs,” he says.
“I’m going to stay up all night and then I’m gonna go see Phil,” Rene Leonard of Springfield, Va., says wishfully, adding that her group has a designated driver.
But not everyone in Punxsutawney goes up to Gobbler’s Knob for Groundhog Day: For locals, it’s more of an optional activity rather than a bucket-list item.
Mindy Grose (left) and Tracy McCoy selling groundhog-related crafts at the Punxsutawney Community Center.
Nate Smallwood for NPR
hide captiontoggle caption
Nate Smallwood for NPR
In the community center, I found Mindy Grose and Tracy McCoy selling adorable felt and needlepoint groundhogs.
The women say they’ve met visitors from Germany, Spain, Australia and other countries who come to this borough to see a ground hog in his burrow.
“Some of these people have come every year for, you know, 20 years or more,” McCoy says. “We see them every year. It’s fun.”
Both women say they routinely skip the main event, because they prefer to visit Gobbler’s Knob and see Phil without the crowds and early wakeup call.
But, Grose says, she does like Groundhog Day itself.
Punxsutawney Phil is loaded into a car after a public appearance.
Nate Smallwood for NPR
hide captiontoggle caption
Nate Smallwood for NPR
“This is my favorite holiday,” she says. “Because you don’t have to cook anything. You don’t have to buy anybody gifts. You don’t have to even see your in-laws. You wake up, the rat comes out of the hole, poof. It’s done.”
Punxsutawney Phil Saw His Shadow, Predicting Six More Weeks of WinterToday, the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow and saw his shadow, signaling that we can expect six more weeks of winter. This tradition, dating back to the 1800s, has captured the attention of people all over the country as they eagerly await Phil’s weather prediction.
While some may groan at the thought of more cold weather ahead, others see Phil’s shadow as a reminder to cherish the beauty of winter and embrace the cozy moments it brings. Whether you’re a fan of winter or counting down the days until spring, Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction is sure to spark conversations and anticipation for the weeks ahead.
Stay tuned as we track the weather patterns and see if Phil’s forecast holds true. In the meantime, bundle up and enjoy the winter season, whether it’s for six more weeks or beyond.
Tags:
- Punxsutawney Phil
- Groundhog Day
- Shadow
- Weather prediction
- Groundhog
- Groundhog’s Day
- Punxsutawney
- NPR news
- Phil the groundhog
- Groundhog Day tradition
#Punxsutawney #Phil #Shadow #NPR
Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, predicts six more weeks of winter
CNN
—
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.
It was the coldest Presidential Inauguration in 40 years and cold unusually far south ushered in a historic snowstorm for the Gulf Coast. It’s been one of the 10-coldest winters for dozens of cities east of the Mississippi River, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Center.
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.
Tags:
- Groundhog Day 2021
- Punxsutawney Phil
- Shadow prediction
- Six more weeks of winter
- Groundhog Day tradition
- Weather prediction
- Groundhog Day celebration
- Punxsutawney Phil prediction
- Winter forecast
- Groundhog Day history
#Groundhog #Day #Punxsutawney #Phil #sees #shadow #predicts #weeks #winter
How accurate are Groundhog Day predictions? Punxsutawney Phil accuracy insights
Even though Punxsutawney Phil has made predictions for more than 100 years, his track record certainly isn’t perfect.
WASHINGTON — Punxsutawney Phil will soon predict either six more weeks of winter or an early spring for 2025, but just how accurate are his yearly forecasts?
The annual ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, dates back to 1887, according to the Library of Congress. But even with more than 100 years of “forecasting experience,” Punxsutawney Phil certainly isn’t perfect.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration compared Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast to the national weather the last 10 years and found “on average, Phil has gotten it right 30% of the time.” Over the last 20 years, NOAA found Phil was 35% correct – but still a lot less accurate than some of his groundhog competitors.
Going back all the way to his first prediction in 1887, he’s been right only a slightly better (but still worse than a coin flip) 39% of the time, according to an analysis from Stormfax Weather Almanac.
When is Groundhog Day 2025?
During the annual celebration, people gather at Gobbler’s Knob as members of Phil’s “inner circle” summon the groundhog from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he has seen his shadow.
Groundhog Day always falls on Feb. 2. This year, Groundhog Day falls on a Sunday.
According to folklore, if he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring comes early.
How many times has Punxsutawney Phil seen his shadow?
Since 1887, Punxsutawney Phil’s track record has leaned heavily toward six more weeks of winter.
In fact, arguably the world’s most famous groundhog has predicted an early spring (by not seeing his shadow) just 21 times, including last year, according to the numbers announced by the Groundhog Day “Inner Circle.”
Meanwhile, he’s seen his shadow 109 times (including 2023), though there are 10 years where there’s no record of what happened.
Prior to 2024, the last time Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow was in 2020, and before that in 2019, offering a back-to-back dose of his rare early spring prediction.
Will we get another back-to-back early spring prediction this year? Tune in on Sunday to find out.
The Associated Press and WKYC’s Ryan Haidet contributed to this report.
Every year on February 2nd, all eyes turn to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as people eagerly await the prediction of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog. According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring will come early.But just how accurate are Phil’s predictions? Well, according to the Groundhog Club, Phil has only been right about 39% of the time since 1887. That’s not exactly a stellar track record.
Some experts argue that Phil’s predictions are simply a result of chance and that there is no scientific basis for them. Others believe that Phil’s behavior is influenced by factors such as temperature, cloud cover, and time of day, rather than any innate ability to predict the weather.
Regardless of whether you believe in Punxsutawney Phil’s forecasting abilities, one thing is for sure – Groundhog Day is a fun tradition that brings communities together and adds a bit of whimsy to the winter season. So whether Phil sees his shadow or not, let’s all enjoy the festivities and keep our fingers crossed for an early spring!
Tags:
- Groundhog Day predictions
- Punxsutawney Phil accuracy
- Groundhog Day forecast
- Groundhog Day tradition
- Punxsutawney Phil predictions
- Groundhog Day history
- Weather forecasting
- Groundhog Day celebrations
- Groundhog Day facts
- Groundhog Day folklore
#accurate #Groundhog #Day #predictions #Punxsutawney #Phil #accuracy #insights
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Watch Groundhog Day 2025 live
Did you miss your chance to get your ticket to the sold-out event on Gobbler’s Knob, where Punxsutawney Phil will make his prediction? It’s ok! Here’s how to watch the event live.
Early Sunday morning, Punxsutawney Phil will make his prediction on whether or not the weather will continue to be frigid or if we will see Spring come early.
The rodent fortune teller will predict the weather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to a sold-out crowd, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
Punxsutawney Phil, “the Seer of Seers”, “Prognosticator of Prognosticators” and “Weather Predictor Extraordinaire,” usually reveals his prediction after 7 a.m. ET.
He will deliver his meteorological prophecy in Groundhogese, according to the club.
It’s Groundhog Day!Here’s how to watch the classic comedy ‘Groundhog Day’ to celebrate
More:Is winter ending? Find out if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog Day: Live
How to watch Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction
When is Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day is on Sunday, Feb. 2. USA TODAY’s live stream of the event will begin at 6:15 a.m. ET.
Did Phil see his shadow last year? Was he right?
In 2024, Phil predicted we would see an early spring, and he was technically correct!
Because 2024 was a leap year, Spring was a day early, according to News-Press, a part of the USA TODAY Network.
What is Groundhog Day?
People flock to Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on February 2nd every year to be a part of the celebrations revolving around Punxsutawney Phil’s winter forecast.
The holiday stems from a centuries-old Pagan and Christian tradition, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It is also known as St. Brigid’s Day.
German settlers brought the tradition to America, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. But, before they made the trek to the unfamiliar land, they checked to see if a hedgehog saw its shadow, not a groundhog.
Due to a lack of hedgehogs in America, the settlers began using another hibernating mammal: The groundhog.
The day eventually evolved into what we know today.
In 1886, Groundhog Day was acknowledged for the first time in Punxsutawney by a local newspaper, Weathers Wags, according to the club. In 1887, the first official pilgrimage to see Phil on Gobbler’s Knob while he made his predictions was made.
In 2025, 138 years later, Punxsutawney Phil is making his predictions to a sold-old crowd.
Contributing: Zach Tuggle, Marion Star; C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida; Saman Shafiq, Emily DeLetter, Eric Lagatta, Jordan Mendoza; USA TODAY; Katie Wiseman, Indianapolis Star
Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com
Every year on February 2nd, people eagerly await the prediction of Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog from Pennsylvania. According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, but if he doesn’t, spring will come early.With Groundhog Day 2025 approaching, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? To find out, tune in to the live broadcast of the annual event and witness the excitement as Phil emerges from his burrow to make his prediction.
Whether you believe in the accuracy of Phil’s forecast or not, there’s no denying the fun and tradition that surrounds Groundhog Day. So mark your calendars, grab your favorite snack, and get ready to watch Punxsutawney Phil in action on February 2nd, 2025. Who knows, maybe this will be the year he surprises us all with an early spring!
Tags:
- Punxsutawney Phil
- Groundhog Day 2025
- Groundhog Day live stream
- Groundhog Day predictions
- Groundhog Day weather forecast
- Punxsutawney Phil shadow
- Groundhog Day tradition
- Groundhog Day celebration
- Groundhog Day event
- Groundhog Day history
#Punxsutawney #Phil #shadow #Watch #Groundhog #Day #live
Groundhog Day 2025 | Punxsutawney Phil has made his choice! Did he see his shadow or will spring come early?
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — A big crowd is expected to turn out in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Sunday.
It is Groundhog Day!
Every Groundhog Day thousands gather in Punxsutawney, PA, to receive the prediction of the beloved Punxsutawney Phil.
And people will gather with anticipation over what Punxsutawney Phil might tell us.
RELATED: Punxsutawney Phil to mark 1st Groundhog Day as a father
Will there be six more weeks of winter or will we experience an early spring?
Legend has it, if Phil sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter. But if he doesn’t, spring may be sooner than we think.
RELATED: Groundhog Day: What to know about the American tradition that is meant to predict spring
It has been unusually cold and snowy in the Northeast this winter, and some are hoping for signs of an early spring.
Groundhog Day is a tradition that stretches back more than 100 years.
For those keeping track, Phil and his offsprings have seen their shadow 107 times, with no shadow 21 times.
ALSO SEE: Should we cancel Groundhog Day? How about a weather reveal cake instead
Groundhog Day 2025 | Punxsutawney Phil has made his choice! Did he see his shadow or will spring come early?It’s that time of year again, when all eyes are on Punxsutawney Phil to see if he will see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter or if spring will come early. The anticipation has been building as people eagerly wait to hear Phil’s prediction.
Well, the moment of truth has finally arrived. Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow and after a brief moment of contemplation, he made his decision. Drumroll, please…
Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow! That’s right, spring is on its way early this year! According to the famous groundhog, we can expect warmer weather and blooming flowers sooner than expected.
So, get ready to put away those winter coats and break out the flip flops because Punxsutawney Phil has spoken. Spring is just around the corner! Let’s celebrate the early arrival of warmer weather and longer days ahead. Happy Groundhog Day 2025!
Tags:
Groundhog Day 2025, Punxsutawney Phil, Groundhog Day prediction, Groundhog Day tradition, Punxsutawney Phil shadow, Spring prediction, Early spring forecast, Groundhog Day celebration, Punxsutawney Phil prediction, Groundhog Day 2025 update
#Groundhog #Day #Punxsutawney #Phil #choice #shadow #spring #earlyWatch Live: Groundhog Day 2025 Punxsutawney Phil ceremony
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (KDKA) — Punxsutawney Phil is getting ready to make his Groundhog Day prediction as the sun comes up on Gobbler’s Knob.
Thousands of people gather every Feb. 2 to watch Phil make his big prediction at Gobbler’s Knob, about an hour and a half drive from Pittsburgh in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Buses were scheduled to start shuttling Phil fans to Gobbler’s Knob at 3 a.m.
When does Punxsutawney Phil come out?
You can watch Phil emerge from his burrow in the live video player above just after 7:20 a.m. The full ceremony is scheduled to start streaming at 6 a.m. You can watch that here.
If Phil sees his shadow, he takes it to mean six more weeks of bad weather ahead and returns to his hole. If it’s a cloudy day and he doesn’t see his shadow, he believes it’s a sign of spring and stays above ground.
What is Groundhog Day?
According to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Groundhog Day has roots in the Christian religious holiday of Candlemas Day, which, through an old folk song, became tied to weather prognostication.
Once the tradition was introduced to Germany, an animal started predicting the winter. If, according to German lore, the hedgehog saw his shadow on Candlemas Day, there would be a “second winter.”
When the German settlers came to the United States, in lieu of hedgehogs, they chose another hibernating animal: groundhogs.
The club says Groundhog Day was mentioned in the local newspaper for the first time in 1886. The next year brought the first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob, where thousands now gather every Feb. 2 to wait for Phil’s prediction.
This year’s celebration is notable because it’s Phil’s first as a father. He and his “wife” Phyllis welcomed twins last March, which the public helped name Sunny and Shadow.
According to lore, there is only one Punxsutawney Phil, the same way there is only one Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Phil’s Inner Groundhog Club attributes his longevity to the elixir of life, which he drinks every summer.
How often is Punxsutawney Phil right?
Phil has been predicting the weather for nearly 140 years, but practice might not quite make perfect.
Between 2014 and 2023, Phil was right 30% of the time, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says. He was correct in predicting a longer winter in 2014 and an early spring in 2016 and 2020.
Since 1887, Phil has seen his shadow 107 times. He’s forecasted an early spring 20 times, and for 10 years, there was no record, according to the NOAA’s data.
To be fair, the NOAA says it’s tough to predict the arrival of springtime for an entire country, especially one with varied regional climates like the United States. After all, he’s a groundhog, not a meteorologist.
Join us as we watch the live stream of the Groundhog Day 2025 Punxsutawney Phil ceremony! Will the famous groundhog see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter, or will he signal an early spring? Tune in to find out and be a part of this beloved tradition. Don’t miss out on all the festivities and fun as we celebrate Groundhog Day with Punxsutawney Phil. #GroundhogDay2025 #PunxsutawneyPhil #LiveStream
Tags:
- Groundhog Day 2025
- Punxsutawney Phil
- Groundhog Day ceremony
- Punxsutawney Phil ceremony
- Live streaming Groundhog Day 2025
- Watch Punxsutawney Phil ceremony live
- Groundhog Day 2025 event
- Punxsutawney Phil prediction
- Groundhog Day tradition
- Punxsutawney Phil shadow prediction
#Watch #Live #Groundhog #Day #Punxsutawney #Phil #ceremony
Pennsylvania governor spurns Peta’s offer to replace Punxsutawney Phil with cake on Groundhog Day | Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s governor, Josh Shapiro, is claws out in a dispute with animal rights organization Peta over Groundhog Day, pushing back against activists who suggested that the world-famous marmot Punxsutawney Phil should be replaced with a cake.
Punxsutawney Phil headlines the yearly Groundhog Day festival in this small Pennsylvania town. The mythos surrounding this event maintains that this woodchuck can predict whether spring will start early, depending on whether he sees his shadow when exiting his nest.
Groundhog Day takes place on 2 February. Sunday’s event marks its 139th year.
A dispute between Shapiro and Peta started to unfold on 21 January when the organization sent a letter to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s president, Tom Dunkel, with a controversial pitch.
“Peta will deliver a delicious ‘Weather Reveal’ vegan cake each Groundhog Day in perpetuity if Dunkel agrees to let Punxsutawney Phil and his family retire to a reputable sanctuary, a move that will earn the outfit kudos from wildlife fans,” the group said in a press release.
“In a fun play on viral gender reveal videos, Peta’s tasty treat would be cut to expose one of two colors: blue, signifying six more weeks of winter, or pink, indicating an early spring,” the group explained in its pun-filled note. (Among Peta’s jeux de mots: “This would allow you to still make tourism dough while showing Phil a slice of decency.”)
Shapiro didn’t bite. The Democrat said, “Come and take it,” in a 31 January tweet.
Peta responded to Shapiro’s taunt on Saturday, replying to his X post: “It’s wonderful that you support Phil’s rehabilitation and release to a sanctuary! How would you like us to arrange pick up for him?”
Asked for comment on the ongoing dispute, Shapiro’s office said that he stood firm in support of Phil.
“The governor is dead serious in his defense of this historic Pennsylvania tradition and remains committed to protecting Punxsutawney Phil and the inner circle, and the role they play in the Groundhog Day celebration,” Manuel Bonder, Shapiro’s press secretary, told the Guardian.
The defense of Punxsutawney Phil made for strange bedfellows, WCHS noted.
“I agree with Governor Shapiro on something,” wrote Gabriella Hoffman, director of the Independent Women’s Forum Center for Energy and Conservation. “Peta is terrible.”
Groundhog Day traces its root to pre-Christian holidays feting seasonal turning points, according to the Library of Congress. When western European groups such as the Celts were converted to Christianity, church officials could not get them to abandon these festivals.
The first of February, among the days feting seasonal turning points, broadened into 2 February, transitioning into Candlemas, according to the Library of Congress. An English folk song showed that Candlemas became associated with weather prediction, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
When this belief arrived in Germany, it came to include the hedgehog. In German lore, if “the hedgehog saw his shadow on Candlemas Day there would be a ‘Second Winter’ or six more weeks of bad weather”. German immigrants to the US brought their traditions but had to adapt to the lack of hedgehogs, the club said.
They picked another hibernating mammal: the groundhog.
Groundhog Day now brings 20,000-30,000 tourists to the area each year, according to WTAE. Tourists don’t seem to mind that Phil’s calls aren’t all that accurate, with scientists determining that a mere 35% of his predictions have been correct.
On Groundhog Day, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf made headlines by rejecting PETA’s proposal to replace Punxsutawney Phil with a cake for the annual weather prediction tradition. The animal rights organization suggested that using a cake instead of a live groundhog would be more ethical and prevent harm to the animal.In response, Governor Wolf stated that Punxsutawney Phil is a beloved tradition in Pennsylvania and that he sees no reason to change it. He emphasized the importance of respecting and preserving cultural traditions, even if they may seem outdated or controversial.
While PETA’s intentions may have been well-meaning, it seems that Punxsutawney Phil will continue to be the star of Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania for the foreseeable future. Love it or hate it, the tradition lives on.
Tags:
Pennsylvania governor, PETA, Punxsutawney Phil, Groundhog Day, cake, animal rights, Pennsylvania news, animal activism, holiday traditions, animal welfare, wildlife conservation.
#Pennsylvania #governor #spurns #Petas #offer #replace #Punxsutawney #Phil #cake #Groundhog #Day #Pennsylvania