- Phil predicts early spring
- Tradition since 1887
- 40% accuracy rate
An analysis of six weeks remains in the winter season; if the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow at sunrise, the United States can anticipate an early spring, according to a tradition dating back to 1887.
This year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Phil made his annual weather forecast public on Groundhog Day as part of a lighthearted tradition.
The furry forecaster emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob at sunrise; his Punxsutawney Groundhog Club caretakers informed him that he had not seen his shadow.
The group asserts that this signifies an early spring for the United States.
Gobbler’s Knob hosts the most well-known and largest Groundhog Day celebration in the United States.
In recent years, an estimated 10,000 people have travelled to Punxsutawney to attend the celebrations, which start overnight and conclude with the midwinter forecast.
Groundhog Day Tradition Explained
According to tradition dating back to 1887, if the groundhog sees his shadow when called, it signifies that winter will continue for another six weeks; otherwise, spring will arrive early.
Before making the proclamation, President Tom Dunkel informed the assembly that Phil would select one of two scrolls to use and that his cane, bequeathed to him by previous presidents of the Punxsutawney Club, granted him the ability to speak “Groundhog-ese.”
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The audience chanted “Phil!” at Mr. Dunkel’s direction before a club member removed the groundhog from a door in a trunk on the stage and raised it aloft.
Vice President Dan McGinley read the chosen scroll containing the decision in verse and declared, “Great news on this Groundhog Day; an early spring is on its way!”
The 1993 blockbuster Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray, ignited a renewed fascination with Punxsutawney Phil.
The forecasts winter more frequently than early springs; however, a federal agency examined his record last year and found that his accuracy rate was an average of 40%.
During the remaining months of the year, Phil lives in a special area next to the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, which features a window through which library patrons may observe his burrow.
