Bad News: Groundhog Phil Makes New Winter Prediction in the U.S. After Seeing His Shadow

Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow

Winter will be extended

Historic annual tradition

According to the EFE, the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted that winter in the United States will last six more weeks.

The prediction took place on Monday during the traditional celebration of Groundhog Day.

Phil saw his shadow as he emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob, in the state of Pennsylvania.

According to the ritual, this means winter will continue for at least another month and a half.

The event unfolded in front of hundreds of people who gathered to witness the ceremony.

The tradition is repeated every year and continues to hold cultural significance in different regions of the country.

Groundhog Phil Winter Prediction and the Historic Ritual

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

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

Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his home located inside a tree trunk at Gobbler’s Knob.

After seeing his shadow, the forecast of a longer winter was officially announced.

According to tradition, if the groundhog does not see his shadow, spring arrives earlier than expected.

Historically, this ritual has an accuracy rate of only about 40 percent.

Despite this, the event remains widely followed and celebrated.

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The Groundhog Day tradition dates back to 1887.

Since then, it has drawn crowds to the small town of Punxsutawney.

The town is located about 100 kilometers from the city of Pittsburgh.

The ceremony has become an eagerly anticipated annual event for residents and visitors alike.

A Prediction Repeated Over the Years

Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil Makes New Winter Prediction – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Over its 139-year history, Phil has seen his shadow on 109 occasions.

This makes the prediction of a prolonged winter the most frequent outcome in the groundhog’s record.

The statistic reinforces the idea that the marmot most often forecasts extended cold weather.

Each year, the result is announced ceremonially by the event’s organizers.

The prediction is not based on scientific criteria.

However, it remains part of a deeply rooted cultural tradition.

For many attendees, the value of the event lies in its symbolism and historical continuity.

The day blends festive elements with references to the agricultural calendar.

Its roots trace back to ancient European farming traditions that sought to interpret natural signs to anticipate weather patterns.

Over time, the custom adapted to the American cultural context.

The Tradition Beyond Pennsylvania

The celebration gained worldwide fame after the release of the film Groundhog Day in 1993.

The movie, starring Bill Murray, significantly boosted the event’s popularity.

Since then, Groundhog Day has become firmly established in popular culture.

The tradition is not limited to Pennsylvania.

This Monday also marked Groundhog Day in Staten Island, New York.

Chuck, the Staten Island groundhog, also saw his shadow early in the morning.

His prediction matched Phil’s.

According to tradition, that means six more weeks of winter weather.

Both events reinforce the message that winter is not over yet.

Although the ritual lacks scientific backing, it continues to generate widespread media attention.

Each year, public focus turns to the announcement made by the groundhogs.

For many, Groundhog Day represents a mix of folklore, entertainment, and tradition.

This year’s Punxsutawney Phil winter prediction keeps alive a custom that has endured for more than a century—and symbolically suggests that cold weather will remain across the United States for several more weeks.