OAN Staff Sophia Flores
11:09 AM – Monday, February 2, 2026
Punxsutawney Phil, Pennsylvania’s “official state meteorologist,” has reportedly seen his shadow, hence predicting that six more weeks of winter are on the way.
During the 140th annual Groundhog Day ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Monday, thousands of people gathered in sub-zero temperatures to watch the famous groundhog predict a longer winter while perched on his tree stump.
Groundhog Day is celebrated annually on February 2nd, rooted in European traditions and Pennsylvania Dutch folklore. The superstition behind the day says if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow on February 2nd, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks. However, if he does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early.
This latest prediction marks the fifth time in the past six years that Phil has chosen a longer winter over an early spring. The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) remains a skeptic of Phil’s annual prognostication.
When comparing the U.S. national temperatures from the past decade with Phil’s record, it was discovered that the groundhog is only correct 40% of the time.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below
