Punxsutawney Phil just predicted six more weeks of winter, keeping his Groundhog Day fame alive in Pennsylvania.
On February 2, thousands gathered at Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania for the annual Groundhog Day event, where Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter by seeing his shadow. The tradition, rooted in European farming customs and Christian Candlemas, has grown in popularity since the 1993 Bill Murray film, despite its humorous and non-scientific nature.
Groundhog Day festivities take place at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where thousands gather to watch Punxsutawney Phil predict whether an early spring or six more weeks of winter will arrive. The event, rooted in European tradition, has gained popularity since the 1993 film, but remains a lighthearted cultural ritual with uncertain scientific basis.
On February 2, 2026, Staten Island Chuck and Punxsutawney Phil both saw their shadows, indicating six more weeks of winter. The tradition, rooted in European folklore and American culture, involves groundhogs predicting weather based on their emergence and shadow sighting. Phil's accuracy has been questioned, but the event remains popular.
Southern California experiences record-high temperatures in the 80s this week amid a persistent high-pressure system, defying Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of a long winter. Meanwhile, much of the US remains in a deep freeze, with a cold snap expected to return next week, impacting regions from Florida to the Northeast.