Predictions are in from the world's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil! As the results have it, looks like we'll be getting an early spring. On Friday, February 2, 2024, people from all over the world gathered in anticipation for what Punxsutawney Phil would see (or not see) when he emerged from his hole. For the first time in two years, the famous groundhog didn't see his shadow, which means that spring should come early for us! If he were to see his shadow, that would have meant another six weeks of winter.
Though Phil is depended upon for his predictions, he doesn't always get it right. The world's most famous groundhog has only gotten it right about 40% of the time in comparison to previous weather forecasts, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
"Even if you flip a coin, you'll still be right close to half of the time,” Tim Roche, a meteorologist from Weather Underground, explained. “That's a 50% accuracy rate. So you'll be better off flipping a coin than going by the groundhog's predictions."
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But despite Phil's hit or miss predictions, many still gather to witness the day. Pennsylvania's tourism website says that the event draws about 30,000 visitors each year to Punxsutawney, with millions of people watching it on TV or through a streaming platform. The town's general population is 5,700. And this year, it's safe to assume that many were thrilled to hear about early spring!
