Phil faithful gather in Punxsutawney for Groundhog Day weather prediction
Feb. 2—Weather predictions from Pennsylvania's most famous groundhog will be dispensed this morning in the small Jefferson County town of Punxsutawney.
Thousands of Punxsutawney Phil faithful have gathered there — an annual rite on Groundhog Day — to learn whether there will be an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Phil emerges every Feb. 2 from his burrow on Gobbler's Knob to issue the prediction.
The forecast will be relayed to the crowd by members of the Groundhog Club's Inner Circle. Legend has it that if Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If not, it's an early spring.
Of course, regardless of Phil's prediction, the first day of spring is March 20.
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In the overwhelming majority of years, Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter, historical records show. The furry forecaster has called for an early arrival of spring just 18 times since 1898, most recently in 2020.
The live stream Thursday will begin at 6 a.m. here.
The prediction will take place at 7:30 a.m.
Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Renatta by email at rsignorini@triblive.com or via Twitter .
