Groundhog Day 2023: Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog sees his shadow

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pennsylvania– love winters? The groundhog has good news for you.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Thursday morning, meaning six more weeks of winter.

Phil was called down from his tree stump by members of his “inner circle” at dawn on Thursday.

According to folklore, if he had not seen his shadow, it would have meant early spring.

The “inner circle” is a group of local dignitaries who are responsible for planning the events and feeding and caring for Phil himself.

MORE: The legend of the immortal Punxsutawney Phil

The annual Punxsutawney event grew out of a German legend about a furry rodent.

The annual event, held about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, sees between 10,000 and 15,000 in attendance.

According to records dating back to 1887, Phil predicted winter more than 100 times. Ten years were lost because records were not kept, organizers said.

The forecast for 2021 included six more winter weeks.

While Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous marmot seer, he is certainly not the only one. New York’s Staten Island Chuck will make his prediction Thursday during an event at the Staten Island Zoo.