The beloved groundhog Punxsutawney Phil has made his prediction for 2025, and it looks like winter is here to stay for just a bit longer. On February 2, 2025, at approximately 7:25 a.m. ET, Phil emerged from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, and, much to the chagrin of many, saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
Groundhog Day, which takes place annually on this date, is not just about whether we can expect milder weather or continued chill. The event blends folklore with tradition, drawing thousands of enthusiastic attendees each year who gather to witness this quirky weather prediction ritual. The significance of this day may trace back to the Christian holiday of Candlemas, which was celebrated as a midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox.
At dawn, the excitement at Gobbler's Knob was palpable as attendees braved the frigid temperatures, some arriving as early as 3 a.m. to stake their spots. Many wore eccentric furry hats and layered clothing, all fueled by the anticipation of seeing whether Phil, the famed weather forecasting groundhog, would see his shadow. A festive atmosphere enveloped the crowd, complete with musical performances and fireworks to mark the occasion.
Inner Circle members, who don distinctive top hats, surrounded Phil’s tree trunk as Inner Circle President Tom Dunkel used his cane to tap on the burrow door. Cheers erupted as the groundhog was lifted for all to see. "There's a shadow up here — get ready for six more weeks of winter this year!" declared Dan "Moonshine" McGinley, the Inner Circle Vice President, announcing Phil's prediction to the roaring crowd, which was met with both cheers and groans. "We want spring!" shouted one attendee, capturing the mixed feelings of the gathering.
The tradition dates back to 1887 when it first took on its current form, thanks to Clymer H. Freas, city editor of the Punxsutawney Spirit. The gathering for Groundhog Day has grown ever since, drawing over 20,000 attendees today, eager to believe or debunk Phil’s prophecies. Historically, Phil has been deemed accurate only about 39% of the time, with weather statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration noting his record from 2012 to 2021 was just slightly above 40%.
Despite his questionable accuracy as a weather predictor, Phil remains central to the local cultural fabric, and his live predictions attract visitors from far and wide. Anne Ryan, Pennsylvania's deputy secretary of tourism, anticipated around 40,000 people to visit Punxsutawney this year, taking advantage of the weekend festivities surrounding the event. Local businesses, like Punxsy Pizza, capitalized on the influx of visitors, with owner Scott Anthony noting, "Since we opened the doors [Saturday] morning, it's been a line of people. Our tables have been full. We have people standing and eating." It’s clear the community takes great pride in its famed rodent, and the businesses get involved to brighten winter's grip on Pennsylvania.
While many flock to Gobbler's Knob, others partake from the comfort of local establishments or opt out of the festivities altogether, enjoying the day as yet another unique community celebration. Residents like Mindy Grose appreciate the day for its simplicity. "This is my favorite holiday because you don't have to cook anything. You don't have to buy anybody gifts. You just wake up, and the rat goes out of the hole, poof. It's done,” she quipped.
Though Punxsutawney Phil’s weather predictions might stir debate, his legend persists, rooted deep within American folklore and cherished by winter-weary citizens. The day after Phil’s prediction, people will return to their routines, forecasting either more snow showers or sunny spring days, but one thing is for sure — the memory of this year's Groundhog Day will linger on, uniting them once again as winter continues its chill.