Brace yourself—the cold weather is hanging on longer than expected.
Punxsutawney Phil popped out of his Pennsylvania burrow Monday morning, spotted his shadow—and delivered the verdict: six more weeks of winter.
Had the world-famous forecasting groundhog missed his shadow, it would have signaled that spring was just around the corner.
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, a familiar sign that winter isn’t letting go just yet. AP
Despite bone-chilling minus-1-degree temperatures, thousands of revelers packed Gobbler’s Knob in the small Jefferson County borough of Punxsutawney, trekking in for the festivities that culminated in the long-awaited appearance of the beloved Phil—part of a 139-year-old tradition dating back to 1887.
As tradition dictates, members of the Inner Circle—easily spotted in their top hats and tuxedos—gathered around Phil’s stump.
Punxsutawney Phil was awakened to reveal his much-anticipated prediction for the remainder of winter. AP
At first light, Phil was awakened and delivered his message in “Groundhogese” to Inner Circle President Tom Dunkel—legend says the ancient acacia wood cane allows him to understand the secret language.
The president interpreted Phil’s message and handed it off to the vice president, who opened one of two waiting scrolls and proclaimed the prediction.
Punxsutawney Phil’s Inner Circle descended on Gobbler’s Knob on February 2, 2026, kicking off the day’s legendary festivities. AP
Phil’s forecasts have come under scrutiny in recent years, correctly predicting the weather only about 35% of the time, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Having made his winter call, Punxsutawney Phil settles back to rest, the day’s duties done. AP
While Phil has faced scrutiny for his accuracy, his New York cousin, Staten Island Chuck, outshone him among 19 weather-predicting rodents, hitting an impressive 85% prediction rate.
In the lead-up to Groundhog Day, Phil toured the state, stopping outside Penn State University in State College—where the line stretched for more than two hours, according to the Centre County Gazette.
Despite his fame, Punxsutawney Phil has often been criticized for missing the mark on his predictions. REUTERS
Animal rights activists, led by PETA, held their own annual tradition this year, calling for Punxsutawney Phil to retire and suggesting that a hologram replace the beloved groundhog.
PETA sent Dunkel a letter requesting that Phil be retired in favor of a striking 3-D hologram capable of “vocal weather predictions,” giving the famous groundhog and his family a peaceful retirement at a reputable sanctuary.
In a twist on tradition last year, PETA suggested swapping the lovable Phil for a “weather reveal” vegan cake just before his six-week winter forecast.
