Groundhog Day 2025: Weather Forecast or Just Fun Folklore?

It’s the time of year for Punxsutawney Phil to tell us all our weather predictions for the upcoming future. On Groundhog Day, February 2nd, millions will tune in to see if we will get six more weeks of winter or if spring is just around the corner. This oddly celebrated holiday is one of tradition and is a cultural phenomenon, but will this groundhog be correct? Here’s what history has told us. 

What Is Groundhog Day? A Look at the Tradition

Groundhog Day has rooted itself into American culture. Every year on February 2nd, we wait to see if a Groundhog who emerges from its burrow sees his shadow or not. If it sees its shadow, winter weather will continue for six weeks. If it doesn’t see its shadow, warmer, spring weather is predicted. 

However, in the 21st century, we can now use weather radar and climate patterns to predict the weather ourselves. So why do we continue to rely on a groundhog to tell us the weather?

From Germany to Punxsutawney