Punxsutawney Phil is said to have seen his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter weather

"PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) - Punxsutawney Phil is said to have seen his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter weather. His annual prediction was translated by his handlers at Gobbler's Knob in western Pennsylvania. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club says that when Phil is deemed to have not seen his shadow, that means there will be an early spring. When he does see it, it's six more weeks of winter. Phil tends to predict a longer winter far more often than an early spring."

"Tens of thousands of people were on hand at Gobbler's Knob for the annual ritual that goes back more than a century, with ties to ancient farming traditions in Europe. Punxsutawney's festivities have grown considerably since the 1993 movie "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray. Lisa Gibson was at her 10th Groundhog Day, wearing a lighted hat that resembled the tree stump from which Phil emerges shortly after daybreak."

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter, with handlers at Gobbler's Knob conveying the prediction. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club states that no shadow signals an early spring, while a shadow means extended winter, and Phil more often predicts longer winters. Tens of thousands attended the century-old ritual, which links to ancient European farming traditions and expanded in popularity after the 1993 film Groundhog Day. Attendees described the event as festive and unifying despite frigid conditions. One official reported 4 degrees Fahrenheit en route to the ceremony. Last year's announcement also forecast six more weeks of winter.

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