PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. — On Sunday, Punxsutawney Phil made his much-anticipated prediction regarding the weather, having seen his shadow, leading to the announcement of six additional weeks of winter. This proclamation was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from a record-breaking crowd gathered at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Upon his emergence from a hatch on his tree stump just after sunrise, Phil was celebrated with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil.” A member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club recited from a scroll that humorously proclaimed, “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
This time-honored weather forecasting tradition has been upheld in western Pennsylvania for over a hundred years, with even deeper roots tied to European folklore. However, it was the 1993 film “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray that significantly amplified the event’s popularity, drawing tens of thousands to the location each year and inspiring similar celebrations across the U.S. and beyond.
When Phil fails to see his shadow, it’s believed to herald an early arrival of spring; conversely, spotting his shadow indicates that winter will linger for another six weeks.
The attendees were treated to a lively atmosphere complete with fireworks, confetti, and performances that varied from punk rock to traditional polka, all while awaiting the sunrise. Dignitaries in attendance included Governor Josh Shapiro, local officials, and beauty pageant winners.
Among the attendees was Jon Lovitch, a self-employed gingerbread artist from New York, who has made the pilgrimage to Punxsutawney for 33 years. “I enjoy the cold, and I believe this is probably the biggest midwinter celebration in the world,” Lovitch expressed, highlighting the festive spirit of the occasion.
Historically, Phil has predicted a longer winter far more frequently than an early spring. One study assessing his forecasting prowess revealed that he was accurate less than half the time, leaving the interpretation of “six more weeks of winter” open to debate.
According to Tom Dunkel, president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, attendees fall into two camps: the devout believers hoping to affirm their convictions and the skeptics seeking to question the tradition.
Phil’s weather message was conveyed to Dunkel via a unique language dubbed “Groundhog-ese,” a process aided by a special cane passed down through the club’s leadership. Dunkel explained, “He communicates through gestures like winks, purring, and nodding.”
Although attendance at the event is free, attendees paid $5 to utilize shuttle buses to bypass the mile-long walk from downtown to the prediction stage. Many local schools close on weekdays when Groundhog Day occurs, reflecting the demand for transportation to the venue.
Keith Post along with his wife and a friend decided to make the journey from Ohio after enjoying the “Groundhog Day” movie for the past five years. “We planned our lodging nearly a year in advance, and here we are,” Post remarked excitedly.
In addition to the longstanding festivities, a new visitor center was inaugurated four years ago, and plans are underway for a second living space for Phil and his family to enjoy both Gobbler’s Knob and their home at the local library. This year also saw the installation of large video screens and enhanced sound systems for the benefit of spectators at the back of the crowd.
A.J. Dereume, who is one of the club’s handlers and played a significant role in the event, said, “It’s a holiday where there’s no obligation to anyone; it’s about believing in something fun.”
Jackie Handley made her first visit to Punxsutawney to help a friend fulfill a dream on their bucket list. They were fully prepared for the chilly weather, believing it was a unique experience. “It’s once in a lifetime — we probably won’t come back, but we have plenty of warm clothing,” Handley, who hails from Falls Church, Virginia, stated.
After delivering his forecast, Phil and his caretakers posed for photographs with eager fans from the crowd. Phil is accompanied by his mate, Punxsutawney Phyllis, and their recently-born pups, named Shadow and Sunny, though they did not appear at the event this year.
According to club tradition, Phil is regarded as the same groundhog who has made predictions for over a century, attributed to a legendary “elixir of life” that guarantees his longevity. “There’s only one Phil, and it’s not something that can be passed down,” Dunkel asserted, drawing a parallel to fantastical figures like Santa Claus.
Celebrations inspired by Groundhog Day can be found in at least 28 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. In Pennsylvania, other groundhogs across various towns made forecasts calling for extended winter, while an alternative prediction of spring emerged from the Slumbering Groundhog Lodge in Quarryville.
In Jackson, Georgia, about 50 miles southeast of Atlanta, another groundhog named General Beauregard Lee also predicted six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow. Similarly, Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia, Canada, delivered the same winter-long prediction.
