Groundhog Day 2026: Phil sees shadow, forecasts extended winter for storm-weary nation

TLDR:

• Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow Monday morning
• Tens of thousands braved 4-degree temperatures to witness the famous groundhog’s forecast
• Phil far more often predicts longer winters than early springs, making this year’s call unsurprising
• AccuWeather confirms below-average temperatures will continue in the eastern United States

Punxsutawney Phil delivered his trademark prediction Monday, forecasting six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow at Gobbler’s Knob in western Pennsylvania.

The famous groundhog’s forecast came as no surprise — Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring, his handlers at the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club said.

Tens of thousands of people braved brutal cold to witness the annual ritual that goes back more than a century. Rick Siger, Pennsylvania’s secretary of community and economic development, said the outdoor thermometer in his vehicle read 4 degrees Fahrenheit on his way to Gobbler’s Knob.

“I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Mr. Siger, attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day. “It brings people together at a challenging time.”

AccuWeather’s chief long-range weather expert, meteorologist Paul Pastelok, said some clouds moved into Punxsutawney overnight, bringing flurries he called “microflakes.” Mr. Pastelok said the coming week will remain cold, with below-average temperatures in the eastern United States.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club says when Phil doesn’t see his shadow, it means an early spring. When he does see it, it’s six more weeks of winter.

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• Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow