Locals, visitors react to predictions from “Punxsy Phil”

According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow when it emerges from its burrow on Groundhog Day, there will be six more weeks of winter.

If the predictions of a traditional groundhog are still desired, however, Punxsutawney Phil will be making his prediction just after sunrise this morning on his Facebook and website from his home in Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

A German legend has it that if a furry rodent sees his shadow on February 2, winter will last another six weeks.

On the 130th annual trek of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Phil the ground hog delivered good news for those anticipating a short winter season.

The groundhog’s prediction came about 7:25 a.m.in Punxsutawney, Pa., with fair skies and temperatures in the mid-20s.

And now, our normally reliable groundhogs are embroiled in debate, leaving Pennsylvanians and people across the USA wondering whether spring is coming or if winter will maintain its cold grip.

Be prepared for an early spring. The group involved in the tradition determines prior to the ceremony whether or not the rodent will “see” his shadow. The Weather Channel meteorologists predict that most of the continental USA will see warmer weather over the next three months, but Southeastern states may feel the chill linger. “If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again”.

If more days are above 40 degrees, it is considered to be an early spring.

This year, Staten Island Chuck predicted the same as Phil.

And after just a day or two of learning, they’re now groundhog experts.

In addition to the weather, the stuffed groundhog also tried his hand at punditry.

Phil is a national celebrity but several other states have their own local groundhogs, like Georgia’s General Beauregard Lee, Buckeye Chuck in Ohio, Pothole Pete in NY, and Jimmy in Wisconsin, who bit the mayor’s ear!