Watch: Punxsutawney Phil emerges for Groundhog Day

BBC News - WorldEN 1 min read 100% complete February 2, 2026 at 03:28 PM

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Every February 2nd since the late 1880s, people gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, for Groundhog Day. The event centers around Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog whose emergence from his burrow is said to predict the length of winter. Legend states that if Phil sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter are expected; no shadow indicates an early spring. However, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that Phil's predictions have only been accurate approximately 35% of the time over the last 20 years. The tradition continues to draw crowds despite the groundhog's questionable forecasting record.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Groundhog Day 50% United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 60% Pennsylvania 70% Punxsutawney ×280% Punxsutawney Phil ×290%

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groundhog day 100% punxsutawney phil 90% weather forecasting 70% spring 60% winter 60% accuracy rate 50% legend 50%

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Neutral

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BBC News - World

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70%

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Punxsutawney

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groundhog day punxsutawney phil weather forecasting spring winter accuracy rate legend

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