Punxsutawney Phil 2026: Groundhog predicts six more weeks of winter

PUNXSUTAWNEY: Punxsutawney Phil 2026 delivered a familiar forecast Monday morning, predicting six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow during the annual Groundhog Day celebration at Gobbler’s Knob.

The world-famous groundhog emerged from his burrow shortly after sunrise as part of the long-running tradition, drawing cheers and boos from the crowd gathered before dawn. Members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle, dressed in black coats and top hats, announced Phil’s prediction to thousands of onlookers.

Punxsutawney Phil 2026 made his appearance around 7 am, marking the 140th time the groundhog has been consulted for a seasonal forecast since the event began in 1887. Festivities kicked off at 3 am with live entertainment and fireworks, continuing a weekend of celebrations that started Friday, Jan 30.

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While Punxsutawney Phil 2026 once again called for a longer winter, meteorologists say the prediction is purely symbolic. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) notes that there is no scientific link between Phil’s shadow and actual weather patterns, and the groundhog’s accuracy hovers around 40 per cent.

Despite the odds, Punxsutawney Phil remains a beloved winter tradition, offering a moment of humour and hope each year, even if spring may take its time arriving.