In the near term, the groundhog’s accuracy rate is slightly worse. According to the NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information, Phil has been right about 30% of the time over the past decade. ANIMALS OTHER THAN PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL THAT WILL TRY TO PREDICT END OF WINTER ON GROUNDHOG DAY. In 2021, Phil predicted more winter. Groundhog Day: How often is Phil right? News. Groundhog Day: How often is Punxsutawney Phil right? by: Sarah Darmanjian. Posted: Feb 2, 2022 / 12:45 PM EST. Groundhog Day has been celebrated in the United States since at least February 2, 1886. Starting in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, with its now-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, the tradition spread throughout America. Is Punxsutawney Phil usually right? Phil the groundhog has been forecasting the seasons on Groundhog Day at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney since 1887, but just how good is he at his job? Here is what you need to know about Groundhog Day: the day dedicated to a weather-predicting rodent. The so-called psychic is only right around 39% of the time, according to the Stormfax Sadly, the groundhog is often wrong when it comes to his predictions. Since making his first prediction in 1887, Punxsutawney Phil has been right 39% of the time, according to the Stormfax Weather The first official Groundhog Day took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The event took up permanent residence at Gobbler’s Knob the following year. The groundhog doesn't miss. Data: NOAA; Note: 10, 25, and 75 year periods are calculated from 2013, 1998, and 1948 to 2022; Map: Erin Davis/Axios Visuals Bottom line: Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2. According to tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter, while no groundhog shadow means early spring. The many groundhogs that have been designated as Phil over the years have predicted 99 forecasts of more winter and 15 early springs, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, of Punxsutawney Groundhog Club handler A.J. Dereume holds Punxsutawney Phil during the 138th celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) He was only right about 40% of the time, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which says the groundhog shows “no predictive skill.” Related article Groundhog Day If we're being honest, it even defies common sense. The legend is simple: The groundhog's shadow on Feb. 2 predicts the weather for the next six weeks, until the start of spring. Phil got it right last year. He predicted an early spring — and the country saw above-average temperatures in February and March. While the festivities are all in good fun, meteorologists said Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, is coming up, and soon Punxsutawney Phil will tell us what to expect from the weeks to come. The holiday dates back hundreds of years, and has grown to be a widely Punxsutawney Phil's success rate since 1887 is quite dismal. He’s only been right 39% of the time and he’s usually pessimistic calling for more winter coming than spring -- 2022 was the 107th At a Glance. Groundhog Day can give visions of spring drawing nearer, but plenty more snow and cold is still to come after the festive day. Most cities where snow is typical will see at least a An article for The Cathedral Times by the Very Rev. Sam Candler, Dean of the Cathedral February 2, 2025. Let me tell you another story. (And please read until the end!) The earliest United States observance of something called Groundhog Day dates back to the nineteenth century, maybe in the decades before the founding of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, in 1899. In 1886, Groundhog Day appeared in a local paper, and it has been celebrated every year since then. Who is Punxsutawney Phil? The groundhog, the myth, the legend – Punxsutawney Phil is the animal at the center of our annual celebration of Groundhog Day. Since 1886, Punxsutawney Phil has resided in Gobblers Knob near Punxsutawney, PA.
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