Current:Home > reviewsDid the groundhog see his shadow? See results of Punxsutawney Phil's 2024 winter forecast -TradeWisdom
Did the groundhog see his shadow? See results of Punxsutawney Phil's 2024 winter forecast
View
Date:2025-04-15 03:39:00
It's official: spring is right around the corner.
Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow in front of thousands of spectators Friday morning at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, part of the annual Groundhog Day tradition celebrated in the U.S. and Canada. That means, according to the legend, we're in for an early spring.
This marks the first time since 2020 that Phil predicted an early spring, and the 21st time since records were kept.
If you look at the data, Punxsutawney Phil has a record of seeing his shadow more often than not. Prior to 2024, the groundhog had seen his shadow 107 times and not seen his shadow 20 times, according to the York Daily Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. There were a few years in the late 1800s where there was no record of his forecast, and 1943 was the only year he did not make an appearance.
While Punxsutawney Phil may be arguably the most famous groundhog around, he is not the only critter making a weather forecast today. There's also Buckeye Chuck in Ohio, General Beauregard Lee in Georgia and Staten Island Chuck in New York, who all emerged from burrows Friday morning to predict either the continuing winter or coming spring.
Here's what to know about Punxsutawney Phil.
How accurate is Punxsutawney Phil?His Groundhog Day predictions aren't great, data shows.
What has Phil predicted in the past?See his full forecast record dating back to the 1800s
Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day is celebrated every February 2, the same day as Candlemas, where some of the holiday's traditions originate.
Candlemas was traditionally aligned with the anticipation of planting crops, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, and seeing sunshine on the day was said to indicate winter's return.
In Europe, people traditionally looked to bears or badgers to look for the sign of returning winter or coming spring, but when German immigrants arrived in Pennsylvania, they instead used groundhogs to make the forecast instead.
Since 1993's "Groundhog Day" movie starring Bill Murray, visitPA says more than 30,000 people travel to Punxsutawney each year to see Punxsutawney Phil's prediction.
What did Punxsutawney Phil say in 2023?
Last year, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow, saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter, a forecast in line with his predictions from the last two years.
Watch the 2024 Groundhog Day replay from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
veryGood! (2)
Related
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- See Millie Bobby Brown in Jon Bon Jovi’s New Family Photo With Fiancé Jake
- What is bran? Here's why nutrition experts want you to eat more.
- NPR puzzlemaster Will Shortz says he is recovering from a stroke
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- The Trump trials: A former president faces justice
- Northern California battered by blizzard, Sierra Nevada residents dig out: See photos
- Q&A: Maryland’s First Chief Sustainability Officer Takes on the State’s Climate and Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton beat impeachment. Now he wants Super Tuesday revenge on his foes
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- The Trump trials: A former president faces justice
- Mall fire in Bangladesh capital kills at least 43, including women and children, health minister says
- Weakening wind but more snow after massive blizzard in the Sierra Nevada
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- 2024 NFL scouting combine Sunday: How to watch offensive linemen workouts
- Horoscopes Today, March 2, 2024
- Texas firefighters battle flames stoked by strong winds as warnings are issued across the region
Recommendation
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Blizzard hits California and Nevada, shutting interstate and leaving thousands without power
Vice President Kamala Harris to join in marking anniversary of Bloody Sunday on Alabama bridge
Caitlin Clark makes 2 free throws to break Pete Maravich’s NCAA Division I scoring record
Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent Is Pregnant With Baby No. 2
Iris Apfel, fashion icon who garnered social media fame in her later years, dies at 102
Getting off fossil fuels is hard, but this city is doing it — building by building