Groundhog Day 2023: 6 more weeks of winter? Some expert predictions contradict Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Penn. — The immortal Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, portending six more weeks of winter, but brace yourself – above-average temperatures are expected across much of the US over the next few months.

Scientifically, winter officially ends on the equinox of March 20th, regardless of what Phil predicts. But Mother Nature doesn’t always stick to schedule, and neither does Phil.

Although Phil doesn’t have a meteorology degree, the United States tunes into his forecast every year.

Phil’s track record isn’t perfect. “On average, over the past 10 years, Phil has got it right 40% of the time,” according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that maintains “one of the largest atmospheric, coastal, geophysical archives and oceanic research in the world.”

MORE: The legend of the immortal Punxsutawney Phil

The three-month temperature outlook for February through April 2023 calls for above-average temperatures in the eastern and southern United States and below-average temperatures in the northwestern United States, according to the Climate Prediction Center.

Thousands of miles of Punxsutawney, California, Nevada and other western states have seen significant snowfall this season. This trend is likely to continue in February.

But as the climate warms, early springs are expected to become commonplace. According to data analysis by Climate Central, winter (December, January, February) is the fastest warming season for 75% of the 238 US locations.

Despite his mixed record when it comes to predicting the weather, there’s no doubt Phil’s fans still hold him in high esteem.

After all, his full title is Punxsutawney Phil, seer of seers, sage of wise, forecaster of forecasters, and extraordinary weather prophet.

The CNN Wire contributed to this report.