Thousands gathered in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on February 2nd, 2024, to see the beloved groundhog Phil’s prediction of the upcoming spring season. Every year, Phil is hoisted into the air, and if he sees his shadow we could be in for six more weeks of winter, but if he doesn’t we, then we might just see spring a bit earlier.
Although Groundhog Day isn’t an official national holiday, people in the United States still tune in to see if Phil sees his shadow every year on the same day—Feb. 2. If he does see his shadow, then he predicts six more weeks of winter. If he does not, he forecasts an early spring.
Chants of “Phil! Phil! Phil!” filled the air in Pennsylvania on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, minutes before the groundhog came into the light to predict whether we’ll see six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Punxsutawney Phil’s answer caused the celebration to erupt into cheers as he predicted an early spring being in store for the U.S.
The very first Groundhog Day was celebrated on Feb. 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Phil has been correct about 39% of the time since then, while he most often predicted six more weeks of winter. Phil has seen his shadow more often than not, predicting a longer winter 107 (84%) times. USA Today compiled all of his results since 1887:
- Saw shadow (six more weeks of winter): 107
- No shadow (early spring): 19
- Partial shadow: 1
- No record: 10
- Did not appear: 1
The only time Phil did not make an appearance came in 1943 during World War II.
