Phil predicts an early spring

February 2, 2013

Photo by Alan Freed of The Punxsutawney Spirit – Punxsutawney Phil shows off his personality just moments after delivering his good news to the massive crowd that came out to see his annual prognostication by posing playfully atop the top hat of John Griffiths, who is known inside the circle as Phil's co-handler.

Thousands of fans watched as Pennsylvania's world-famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil made his highly anticipated weather prognostication on Saturday, commemorating 127 years of Pennsylvania's unique Groundhog Day tradition.
Phil predicted an early spring after emerging from his burrow without seeing his shadow Saturday morning in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
According to holiday folklore, if the groundhog emerges in the early morning on Feb. 2 and does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. If he sees his shadow, six more weeks of wintry weather are expected.