Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 136th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Phil's handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 136th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Phil's handlers said that the groundhog has forecast six more weeks of winter. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerged from his den at 7:25 a.m., saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter.
Thousands travel to Punxsutawney every February to witness Punxsutawney Phil emerge from hibernation, waiting to hear if Phil saw his shadow and if he will predict either an early spring or six more weeks of winter weather.
“Whether you’re rooting for six more weeks of snow or you’re eager to hear that spring is on the horizon, we want you to join Phil in the quirky fun of Groundhog Day,” said Carrie Fischer Leopore, marketing, deputy director for tourism and film. “This time-honored tradition is part of what makes us an uncommon Commonwealth in the best way possible. We encourage everyone who can’t be at the Knob at sunrise to get into the spirit of Groundhog Day with a Phil-inspired snack, craft, or cocktail.”
A livestream of the event began at 6 a.m.
You can watch a replay of Phil’s prediction
According to folklore, spring would come early if he didn’t see it.
The event took place virtually last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, depriving the community, which is about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh, of a boost from tourists. It was streamed live and seen by more than 15,000 viewers worldwide at one point. About 150 cardboard cutouts of fans were there to “watch.”
The annual event has its origin in a German legend about a furry rodent.
According to records dating back to 1887, Phil has predicted winter more than 100 times. Ten years were lost because no records were kept, organizers said.
The 2020 forecast called for an early spring.
Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous groundhog seer but he’s certainly not the only one, and one competitor disagreed with his prediction. New York City’s Staten Island Chuck expects an early spring, according to Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon, who presided over a ceremony that was livestreamed from Chuck’s home at the Staten Island Zoo.
“He did not see his shadow. We will have an early spring,” McMahon announced.
New York Mayor Eric Adams did not attend the ceremony but said in a videotaped message, “Chuck has been very accurate in his predictions since 1981. I think I can speak for all New Yorkers when I say, ‘Chuck, please don’t see your shadow.’”
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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