Groundhog Day 2026: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Weather

Wed Feb 04 2026 04:59:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a time-honored tradition, Punxsutawney Phil has emerged from his burrow this Groundhog Day to forecast the weather for the coming weeks. Join in the annual celebration to see if spring is on the horizon!

Every year on February 2nd, crowds gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to watch as Punxsutawney Phil, the renowned groundhog, emerges to predict the weather. According to folklore, if Phil sees his shadow, it indicates six more weeks of winter; if not, spring is just around the corner. Despite the excitement, Phil's predictions have only a 35% accuracy rate over the past 20 years.

On February 2 every year, a unique tradition unfolds in a small town in Pennsylvania where thousands gather to witness the entertainment of Punxsutawney Phil, the weather forecasting groundhog. This year was no different as Phil was pulled from his burrow amid cheers from gathered attendees.

According to folklore, if our furry friend sees his shadow, it signals the continuation of winter with six more weeks of cold and snow. Conversely, if he does not see his shadow, it is believed that spring is on the way.

Historically, this event has taken place since the late 1880s, attracting locals and tourists who revel in the celebration of this peculiar animal and the folklore surrounding it. The excitement captures the essence of a community tradition that thrives on delight and curiosity.

In recent years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration revealed that Phil's forecasts have a modest accuracy rate of 35% over the past two decades, highlighting the whimsical nature of the tradition.