Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Tuesday morning 6 more weeks of winter during Groundhog Day celebration at the Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, United States on February 2, 2022. Punxsutawney Groundhog Club established in 1887 as members believe that groundhogs predict the weather. ( Tayfun Coskun - Anadolu Agency )
HOUSTON, Texas
While the US is preparing for a winter storm that is expected to leave much of the country in a deep freeze, the Groundhog Day annual tradition is not alleviating concerns.
Every Feb. 2 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil is pulled from his burrow in a tree stump.
According to American folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, then those who believe in the non-scientific ritual can expect six more weeks of winter.
If the groundhog does not see his shadow, then spring will come early.
Phil revealed the nation’s fate Wednesday: he saw his shadow.
That means six more weeks of winter, if you believe the legend.
The tradition began in 1887 and continues annually with much of the US holding their collective breaths as the forecast is revealed by the 20-pound mammal.
Phil, however, is no meteorologist and his track record is not exactly accurate.
“On average, Phil has gotten it right 40% of the time over the past 10 years,” according to the National Centers for Environmental Information’s website.
And not everyone agrees with Phil this year.
The Staten Island Zoo in New York City also held its annual groundhog day celebration.
Staten Island Chuck did not see his shadow, which means the forecast is for an early Spring.
Only time will tell which critter is correct.
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