Description: Punxsutawney Phil this past Groundhog Day Source: NPR
This year’s Groundhog Day celebrations on Feb. 2 predicted that spring will come early this year.
Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow that morning, so according to the holiday’s tradition, people should expect an early spring.
In order to receive the groundhog’s prediction, Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President Tom Dunkel told the crowd that he was able to speak “Groundhog-ese” thanks to the cane he held. It was that ability which would allow him to understand which scroll Punxsutawney Phil said to use to make the prediction, according to NBC News.
In actuality, the prediction is determined by whether or not the groundhog returns to their burrow. If the groundhog returns to their burrow, it is likely to be six more weeks of winter; if the groundhog stays put, then an early spring is to be expected.
“On average, Phil has gotten it right 30% of the time over the past 10 years,” noted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as stated by NPR.
This was the first prediction of an early spring since 2020. It follows several weeks of a cold snap across the United States.
This tradition, started in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pa., has sprouted into a national spectacle. The event draws out thousands of people to see the proclamation in person according to NBC News.
Over 35,000 people attended this year’s celebration.