We’re getting six more weeks of winter, groundhog says

Groundhog Membership handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the climate prognosticating groundhog, in the course of the 136th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Phil’s handlers mentioned that the groundhog has forecast six extra weeks of winter.

Barry Reeger, Related Press

Because the legend goes, if Phil, the Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, groundhog, sees his shadow on the morning of Feb. 2, then there will probably be six extra weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, then it’s going to be an early spring.

What’s the prediction?

Appears like Phil did see his shadow this Wednesday morning, based on Trib Dwell.

A bunch with prime hats pulled Phil out from his burrow at 7:25 a.m., based on The Climate Channel. The skies have been clear and the temperature hung at a low 30 levels.

• Phil was joined by an enormous crowd in Jefferson County city after no in-person attendance in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
• Final 12 months, the groundhog had predicted six extra weeks of winter as properly. His predictions have been adopted by the nineteenth coldest February on file.

A protracted-standing custom

“Every year, we're honored to introduce the world to Punxsutawney Phil,” mentioned Groundhog Membership Interior Circle President Jeff Lundy.

• “The time-honored Pennsylvania custom offers us a possibility to point out how proud we're of Punxsutawney, whereas additionally inviting guests and spectators from all over the world to affix in spreading pleasure, it doesn't matter what the climate would possibly maintain,” he mentioned.

This custom dates again to 1886, however traditionally Phil’s predictions are extra often fallacious than proper. As of 2020, the groundhog’s accuracy price was at 39%, based on the Deseret Information.