Groundhog Day: As thousands gather at Gobbler’s Knob, Punxsutawney Phil reveals his weather forecast | US News

A groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil revealed his annual weather forecast at a Groundhog Day event in Pennsylvania.

At dawn, the little furry creature was summoned from the stump by his “inner circle” to reveal to those waiting that there were still six more weeks of winter.

According to tradition, if Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter.

But if he doesn’t, spring will come early.

His “inner circle” consists of local officials who care for and feed the groundhog and plan events for him.

The annual Gobbler’s Knob event, located about 65 miles (105 kilometers) from Pittsburgh, attracts thousands of people each year to watch the games take place.

It has its origins in a German legend about a furry rodent that Phil has predicted winter more than 100 times, according to records dating back to 1887.

However, organizers say the decade’s worth of data doesn’t exist because of a lack of record keeping.

After seeing his shadow in 2021 and 2022, this is the third year in a row that Phil has predicted another six weeks of winter.

This tradition also spawned a film called Groundhog Day, in which a weatherman, played by Bill Murray, is sent on a mission to Punxsutawney, waking up each morning to relive it over and over again. the same day.

Other critters that can predict the weather

Jimmy the Wisconsin groundhog, who bit the mayor of Sun Prairie in 2015.

Milltown Mel, New Jersey, whose campaign has been mired in legal trouble this year.

Woody the Michigan groundhog came out of a small green door last week

Woodstock WIllie, Illinois, saw his shadow last week – and is home to the Groundhog Day set.

Octoraro Orphie from Pennsylvania, who, by tradition, presents Phil’s annual forecast.

Buckeye Chuck from Ohio is a plush toy this year after animal rights groups protested his treatment.

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