Today is Groundhog Day and with some New Jersey towns reporting up to 30 inches of snow from yesterday’s storm, it’s no surprise really that Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter during the annual ceremony early this morning.
Although most of us can’t wait for the warmer weather and all the things that will make life in a pandemic a bit easier like being able to play outdoors, comfortably dine outdoors and maybe even see friends from a distance, according to Phil there’s still a lot more cozy couch time in our future.
This year’s Groundhog Day celebration was virtual due to coronavirus. Instead of crowds gathering to hear Phil’s prediction, a livestream was held from Gobbler’s Knob, a small hill just outside Punxsutawney, which is about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. The event, which dates back to 1887, takes place every February 2nd and even though things were different this year, the Groundhog Club’s top hat-wearing “Inner Circle” was still as formal as ever. Phil was awakened from his hole at 7:25am ET and placed on the stump where he “chose” one of two scrolls.
Groundhog Club vice president Tom Dunkel read aloud his prediction.
“We have passed the darkness of night but now see hope and morning’s bright light. But now when I turn to see there’s a perfect shadow cast of me. Six more weeks of winter there will be!” he proclaimed.
But the festivities didn’t end without a message of hope.
“I want to tell you [Phil] has also told us after winter, you’re looking forward to one of the most beautiful and brightest springs you’ve ever seen,” club president Jeff Lundy said.
In the past Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter more than 100 times, though last year he predicted an early spring.
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