Early Spring! Punxsutawney Phil does NOT see his shadow

Punxsutawney, PA (WJAC) — As thousands gathered at Gobbler's Knob Friday morning, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow to perform his annual Groundhog Day duties where he predicted an early spring.

Members of Punxsutawney Phil's “inner circle” summoned him from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he had seen his shadow or not, a message they say Phil communicated in “Groundhogese.”

According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

According to folklore, Phil has been making his predictions since 1887.

WATCH | 2024 Groundhog Day ceremony

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfmq6zuNhmqqmqmaO0brzUp6%2BsraSWxK%2Bx2GanoaGcYsCprcOormafoqTCr7DHqJ5mnJGuerGxzaeqsqSmlruqrYypqZ6cmZjBqrvNZq6emaSdsrM%3D