PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. – As winter holds its grip across much of America, folks in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, gathered Monday to hear what their local groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, had to say about the coming weeks.
The tradition says that if Phil sees his shadow when he comes out of his burrow, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. But if he doesn’t, an early spring is on the way.
Thousands braved the cold at Gobbler’s Knob to watch the annual event. The custom goes back over a hundred years, with roots in old European farming practices.
Lisa Gibson, a Groundhog Day regular, said the event “breaks up the winter blues.”
Pennsylvania official Rick Siger noted the chilly weather. He also highlighted how the day brings people together from all walks of life, showing off the spirit of Pennsylvania and the town of Punxsutawney.
Last year, Phil predicted more winter, which is what he usually does. Members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club say they can understand Phil’s “groundhogese” and tell everyone what he thinks about the weather ahead.
Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said some clouds and light snow appeared overnight in Punxsutawney. He added that the eastern U.S. is likely to see colder than normal temperatures in the days to come.
Groundhog Day takes place on February 2nd, marking a point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This time of year also has importance in other traditions, such as the Christian celebration of Candlemas.
