Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? See the Groundhog Day 2016 prediction
Groundhog Club co-handler John Griffiths holds Punxsutawney Phil during the annual celebration of Groundhog Day on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa., Feb. 2, 2016. Credit: AP/ Keith Srakocic
Every Groundhog Day, people gather to see the holiday's signature rodents predict whether spring will arrive early or if six weeks of winter remain.
As is tradition, if a groundhog sees its shadow it means winter will continue, while if it doesn't, it means spring is on the way.
Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil, America's most famous furry meteorologist, emerged from his burrow at Gobbler's Knob early Tuesday to proclaim to the crowd that he did not see his shadow.
Despite the attention Phil's unveiling receives, the truth is his "prediction" is predetermined by the Groundhog Club's Inner Circle, the group that stages the annual event.
Phil is also just one of many groundhogs people look to for weather forecasts every Feb. 2. Several local groundhogs partake in the event as well, including Holtsville Hal, Malverne Mel and Staten Island Chuck.
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
Snow totals may be less across the South Shore A winter storm is expected to pummel LI as artic air settles in across the region. NewsdayTV meteorologist Geoff Bansen has the forecast.
