The cold is sticking around for a little longer.
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow after emerging from his den in Pennsylvania on Monday morning — signifying six more weeks of wintry weather.
If the world-famous prognosticating groundhog had not seen his shadow, it would’ve meant spring was near.
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. AP
The chilly news was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos from the tens of thousands of revelers who braved the negative-1-degree weather at Gobbler’s Knob in the small borough of Punxsutawney in Jefferson County.
Pittsburgh local Lisa Gibson, who showed up for her 10th Groundhog Day, was among those rooting for Phil not to see his shadow.
“Oh, man, it just breaks up the doldrums of winter,” she said while wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump Phil emerged from shortly after daybreak.
“It’s like Halloween and New Year’s Eve all wrapped up into one holiday.”
Revelers braved the cold to celebrate Phil and await his prediction. Getty Images
“I think it’s just fun — folks having a good time,” said Rick Siger, who was attending his fourth straight Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney.
“It brings people together at a challenging time. It is a unifying force that showcases the best of Pennsylvania, the best of Punxsutawney, this area.”
The annual folklore ritual dates back more than a century.
Punxsutawney Phil’s Inner Circle arrives at Gobbler’s Knob on Feb. 2, 2026.
As part of the tradition, members of the Inner Circle — recognized by their top hats and tuxedos — gathered around Phil’s stump as scores of eager viewers watched.
At daybreak, Phil was woken and spoke to the president of the Inner Circle, Tom Dunkel, in “Groundhogese” — the only person who understands the language because of an ancient acacia wood cane.
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The event’s president then translated the message before Phil’s prediction was read out to the crowd from one of the two prepared scrolls.
Phil has been scrutinized for his accuracy in recent years, having only accurately forecasted the weather approximately 35% of the time, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Punxsutawney Phil rests after he made his winter prediction. AP
An estimated crowd of 30,000 braved sub zero temperatures to await Punxsutawney Phil’s weather prediction of 6 more weeks of winter. Getty Images
However, out of 19 weather-predicting rodents, Phil’s New York cousin, Staten Island Chuck, led the way in accuracy, scoring a more favorable 85 percent prediction rate.
In the weeks leading up to his big day, Phil toured the commonwealth, including a stop outside Penn State University in State College, where his appearance produced a wait time of over two hours, according to the Centre County Gazette.
Animal rights activists led by PETA — putting on their own yearly tradition — called for Punxsutawney Phil to retire, and this year suggested a hologram replace the beloved animal.
Punxsutawney Phil has been scrutinized for his accuracy. REUTERS
The animal rights organization sent a letter to Dunkel, requesting that the fluffy weather predictor be replaced with a dazzling 3-D projection complete with “vocal weather predictions,” to let Phil and his family retire from the annual Feb. 2 ceremony to a “reputable sanctuary.”
Last year, before Phil declared six more weeks of winter, PETA suggested organizers use a “weather reveal” vegan cake instead of the lovable groundhog.
With Post wires