Groundhog Day predicts six more weeks of winter in the US

There will be six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicted as he emerged from his burrow on Wednesday to perform his Groundhog Day duties.

Thousands of people gathered at Gobbler's Knob as members of Punxsutawney Phil's "inner circle" summoned him from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he had seen his shadow.

After Phil's prediction was announced, the crowd repeatedly chanted "six more weeks!"

Ashley Johnson of Dallas watches entertainment while waiting for Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, to come out and make his prediction during the 136th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022.

According to folklore, spring would come early if he didn't see it.

The event took place virtually last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, depriving the community, which is about 105 kilometres northeast of Pittsburgh, of a boost from tourists.

It was streamed live and seen by more than 15,000 viewers worldwide at one point. About 150 cardboard cutouts of fans were there to "watch".

Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil, the weather prognosticating groundhog, during the 136th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022.

The annual event has its origin in a German legend about a furry rodent.

According to records dating back to 1887, Phil has predicted winter more than 100 times. Ten years were lost because no records were kept, organisers said.

Though Phil has no meteorology degree, every year on February 2, the United States tunes in for his prediction.

Tony and Anne Disorbo, of Ct., check out Gobblers Knob the day before Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, PA, Feb 1, 2022.

Legend has it that if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter and if he doesn't, spring will arrive sooner. In 2021 the groundhog did see his shadow, calling for six more weeks of cold.

Turns out he was only half correct, according to the National Centres for Environmental Information, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which manages "one of the largest archives of atmospheric, coastal, geophysical, and oceanic research in the world."

"The contiguous United States saw below average temperatures in February and above average temperatures in March of last year. Phil was 50/50 on his forecast," the NCEI said.

Punxsutawney Phil catches some sun in Phils Burrow inside Punxsutawney Memorial Library, the day before Groundhog Day in downtown Punxsutawney, PA, Feb 1, 2022.