Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks Of Winter

February 2, 2022

“The prediction has been made. Enjoy your six more weeks of glorious winter weather!”

Those were the words proclaimed by an official just past daybreak Wednesday at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney Borough in Jefferson County after Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.

Thousands of visitors and locals traveled to Punxsutawney for the 136-year-old tradition.

“Today our weather prognosticating groundhog sent a clear message – winter is here to stay for six more weeks,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. “Each year on Feb. 2, people from around the world turn to our beloved Punxsutawney for the official word from Phil and get to revel in the magic of the day.”

Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction.
Credit: PA Internet News Service

The annual event dates back to 1887 when a group of groundhog hunters first dubbed themselves “The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club” and proclaimed Punxsutawney Phil to be the one-and-only weather-prognosticating groundhog. Since then, thousands of visitors gather each February 2 to watch the groundhog emerge. According to the holiday folklore, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. Should he not see his shadow, Phil promises an early spring.

“Each year, we are honored to introduce the world to Punxsutawney Phil,” said Groundhog Club Inner Circle President Jeff Lundy. “The time-honored Pennsylvania tradition gives us an opportunity to show how proud we are of Punxsutawney, while also inviting visitors and spectators from around the world to join in spreading joy, no matter what the weather might hold.”