Punxsutawney Phil predicts winter is six weeks away

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP)

Six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicts, as he emerges from Wednesday in the cave to carry out Groundhog Day quests.

Thousands of people from all over the world and other countries gathered at Gobbler’s Knob when members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner ring” summoned him from his tree stump at dawn to find out if Did he see his shadow, a message they said Phil conveyed with “earth dog.” After Phil’s prediction was announced, the crowd repeatedly chanted “six more weeks! “

According to folklore, spring will come soon if he does not see it.

The event took place almost last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has robbed the community of strength, about 65 miles (105 km) northeast of Pittsburgh. It was live streamed and watched by over 15,000 viewers worldwide at a time. About 150 hardcovers from fans were present to “see”.

The annual event has its roots in a German legend about a furry rodent.

According to records dating back to 1887, Phil predicted winter more than 100 times. Organizers say 10 years have been lost as no records are kept.

The 2020 forecast suggests an early spring.

Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous groundhog oracle but he’s certainly not the only one, and one competitor disagrees with his prediction. According to Staten Island District Attorney Chuck, New York City, Michael McMahon, who presided over the ceremony, was streamed live from Chuck’s home at the Staten Island Zoo.

“He couldn’t see his shadow. We will have an early spring,” announced McMahon.

New York Mayor Eric Adams did not attend the ceremony but said in a recorded message, “Chuck has been so accurate his prediction since 1981. I think I can speak for all New Yorkers when I said, ‘Chuck, please don’t see your shadow.'”

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