Groundhog Day 2025: Did Punxsutawney Phil Spot His Shadow?

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pennsylvania – Bundle up and brace for the cold! Punxsutawney Phil, the world-famous weather-predicting groundhog, caught a glimpse of his shadow early Sunday morning, signaling an extended winter season.

According to Phil’s annual tradition, winter will linger for another six weeks in 2025. Thousands of spectators, including both locals and devoted visitors who make the annual journey to Punxsutawney, eagerly gathered before sunrise, waiting for Phil’s much-anticipated forecast. The groundhog emerged from his burrow at approximately 7:22 a.m. to deliver his verdict.

“In this cherished town of Punxsutawney, where time and nature intertwine, we gather to uncover the truth,” announced Dan McGinley, vice president of the Groundhog Club.

“It’s the same old Groundhog Day, like a story on repeat, but I long for my burrow, I crave my retreat. I see my shadow; winter stays! Prepare for six more weeks of chilly days!”

The Origins of Groundhog Day

The tradition of Groundhog Day dates back nearly three centuries, with its earliest recorded celebrations traced to the 1700s. German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania brought with them a midwinter custom known as Candlemas Day. On this day, clergy would bless and distribute candles, signifying the remaining stretch of winter.

Candlemas, which has deep roots in European Christian traditions, falls on February 2—midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Folklore held that if the day was bright and sunny, the remainder of winter would be cold and harsh. If an animal cast a shadow due to clear skies, it was seen as an omen that winter would persist.

Originally, Germans relied on hedgehogs as their meteorological forecasters, but upon settling in Pennsylvania, they adopted the groundhog, which was more common in the region. The first official Groundhog Day celebration in Pennsylvania took place on February 2, 1886. Over the years, the event evolved, and in 1961, the famous groundhog was officially named “Punxsutawney Phil.”

This year marked the 139th time Phil has issued his winter outlook. Interestingly, last year, Phil predicted an early spring after failing to see his shadow. Meanwhile, Ohio’s own weather-predicting groundhog, Buckeye Chuck, had a different forecast this year—he did not spot his shadow, hinting at an early spring. Only time will reveal which groundhog’s prediction holds true!