Punxsutawney Phil has made his prediction: There will be six more weeks of winter.
Phil even got a new tree stump this year. Today was the 135th prediction by the infamous groundhog.Â
This year, the celebration at Gobbler s Knob in Pennsylvania is looked different than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic. The party kicked off virtually at 3:30 a.m. PST. People were able to hop on and listen to songs inspired by winter and spring, and learn how to make Wigle Whiskey cocktails and at-home crafts.Â
This year, his prediction came while a snowstorm was trekking over the Northeast. Dating back to the 1800s, Phil has predicted longer winters more than 100 times.Â
and last updated 2021-02-02 06:28:48-05
GOBBLER S KNOB, Pennsylvania â So, are we going to have six more weeks of winter or will there be an early spring?
Today, we may have an answer if you believe in the folklore surrounding Groundhog Day.
Legend has it that if the groundhog sees his shadow when it emerges from its burrow today, we ll have six more weeks of winter.
If he doesn t see its shadow, spring will arrive soon.
Live coverage of Groundhog Day events at Gobblerâs Knob will start on the Punxsutawney Groundhog Clubâs website at 5:30 a.m. today. The live show and Philâs prediction will start streaming at 6:15 a.m. CT.
Will Winter Continue? The Groundhog Day Verdict Is In
Enter your number to get our free mobile app
Punxsutawney Phil had a job to do this morning. Of course, Phil is the legendary groundhog who let s us know whether or not winter will be wrapping up sooner rather than later. We may be experiencing a serious snow day, but that wouldn t stop Phil from stepping out onto the hill of Gobbler s Knob to check for his shadow.
While Phil would normally perform his yearly responsibility in front of crowds of adoring fans anxiously awaiting the verdict, this year, the tradition was carried out by members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club sans an audience. It was, however, streamed live for anyone to witness via the internet through multiple social media platforms as well as Youtube.
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) There will be six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicted as he emerged from his burrow on a snowy Tuesday morning to perform his Groundhog Day duties.
Members of Phil’s “inner circle” woke up the furry critter at 7:25 a.m. at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see whether he would see his shadow or not.
Groundhog Club President Jeff Lundy interacts with Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 135th celebration of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pa. Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Phil’s handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter weather during this year’s event that was held without anyone in attendance due to potential COVID-19 risks. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
It is Groundhog Day in the US – virtually.
The annual ritual held at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, to see if a famous groundhog will emerge from his burrow and portend the end of winter will be held on Tuesday.
But this year, because of Covid-19, Groundhog Day – made famous in the 1993 film of the same name – will be off limits to the public and conducted virtually, with viewers able to watch online thanks to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office.
In an event dating back to 1887, each year on February 2 onlookers have made their way to the hill, near the town of Punxsutawney, north-east of Pittsburgh, to watch for a sign of the end of winter from a groundhog.