Shadows Speak: Groundhog Day 2024

Written by Jesse Signorile

February 2024

// For all his fame, Punxsutawney Phil remains a bit shy when faced with a mic. Image credit: Associated Press/The National News

Groundhog Day is an annual tradition that takes place on February 2nd. Punxsutawney Phil, the weather-forecasting groundhog, determines whether winter will continue or spring will arrive early. The day’s celebration was started by early settlers in Pennsylvania, and it’s believed that if the groundhog sees his own shadow when coming out of his burrow, winter will persist for six more weeks. If he doesn’t see his shadow, an early spring is forecasted.

 Phil did not see his shadow on this year's Groundhog Day, meaning spring should come earlier this year. The significance of this date is based on astronomy; Groundhog Day is a cross-quarter day because it falls halfway between the December solstice and the March equinox. However, how accurate are Phil’s predictions? His predictions in recent years have only been correct about 40% of the time. Even if this day doesn’t always accurately determine the future weather conditions, it brings excitement across the United States and Canada, and many people enjoy watching Phil leave his burrow. ❧