Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil reveals his weather forecast as thousands gather at Gobbler’s Knob | American News

A groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil revealed his annual weather forecast, during a Groundhog Day event in Pennsylvania.

The furry little creature was summoned from its tree stump at dawn by its “entourage”, to reveal to those waiting that there will still be six weeks of winter.

According to tradition, if Phil sees his shadow, it means there will still be six weeks of winter.

However, if he does not, spring will come early.

Its “inner circle” is made up of local officials who care for and feed the groundhog, as well as plan events for it.

The annual event at Gobbler’s Knob, about 65 miles from Pittsburgh, draws thousands of people each year to watch the proceedings unfold.

It comes from a German legend about a furry rodent, and according to records dating back to 1887, Phil predicted winter more than 100 times.

However, organizers said ten years of data did not exist, due to lack of record keeping.

This is the third year in a row that Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter, having seen his shadow in 2021 and 2022.

The lore has also spawned a film, Groundhog Day, in which a weatherman, played by Bill Murray, is sent to Punxsutawney on a mission, to wake up each morning and relive the same day over and over again.