Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter

PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA, February 2, 2025 – Pennsylvania’s world-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted six more weeks of winter after emerging from his Gobbler’s Knob burrow and seeing his shadow.
To help celebrate the 139-year-old tradition, Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger attended the event, demonstrating its importance to the Commonwealth. Tourism is a key piece of the Governor’s economic development strategy, generating $76 billion and supporting more than 486,000 jobs each year in Pennsylvania.
“People across the country and around the world have their eyes on Pennsylvania today for Phil’s prognostication for 2025,” said Anne Ryan, DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism. “Today’s event is one of many that makes our Commonwealth unique. It underscores Governor Shapiro’s continued commitment to elevating the tourism industry by supporting local activities and providing opportunity to businesses statewide by increasing the number of people who visit Pennsylvania.”
The annual event, which proclaims Punxsutawney Phil to be the one-and-only weather-prognosticating groundhog, dates back to 1886. Since then, tens of thousands of people gather each year on February 2 to watch the groundhog emerge, further popularized in film and on Broadway. According to folklore, if the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he doesn’t see his shadow, Phil promises an early spring.
“It’s humbling to be part of one of the nation’s most inclusive and fun-filled celebrations, where all Americans can come together and simply have a good time,” said Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President Thomas A. Dunkel. “It truly seemed like this was yet again a record-breaking year for Gobbler’s Knob and Punxsutawney. And whatever people think about Phil’s predictions, we can all agree it was another amazing Groundhog Day for the books.”
Groundhog Day is just one of the countless experiences across Pennsylvania that await visitors. The Pennsylvania Tourism Office provides updates about other memorable events
through VisitPA.com.
“A little more winter is something to be excited about in Pennsylvania,” added Deputy Secretary Ryan. “Phil’s predictions mean good news for the Commonwealth’s more than 20 winter resorts from the Poconos in the east and the Allegheny Mountains in the west. Visitors will have a few extra weeks to head to the mountains or explore the winter beauty of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks before spring arrives. There’s no better time to plan your Great American Getaway in Pennsylvania.”