Punxsutawney Phil Readies Groundhog Day Prediction at Gobbler's Knob
Tens of thousands will gather at Gobbler's Knob on Feb. 2 for Punxsutawney Phil's sunrise forecast, historically delivered around 7:25 a.m. ET.
Overview
Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members will bring Punxsutawney Phil to Gobbler's Knob on Feb. 2 to announce whether he saw his shadow, with past appearances typically around 7:25 a.m. ET, the club said.
The event follows record crowds of more than 30,000 attending last year and comes amid a NOAA report finding Phil's 10-year accuracy at about 30%, a 2025 analysis shows.
Dan McGinley, a Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle member, defended the tradition in a televised news conference and said the ceremony is meant as lighthearted community entertainment.
The celebration will include fireworks, talent shows and a new "zoo" at Gobbler's Knob where Phil will split time, and tens of thousands of revelers from across the U.S. are expected to attend.
Organizers will hold the sunrise ceremony at Gobbler's Knob beginning at 3:30 a.m. ET for admissions, and meteorologists say NOAA's seasonal outlook offers more reliable forecasts for March-May 2026 than groundhog predictions.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources treat the Groundhog Day story as light, human-interest reporting, focusing on tradition, local color, and popular culture rather than controversy. They use neutral descriptive language, include varied voices (club members, enthusiasts, historical context), and provide factual background (origins, rites, safety measures) without partisan framing.
Sources (3)
FAQ
If Phil sees his shadow on February 2, he predicts six more weeks of winter; if he does not see his shadow, he predicts an early spring.
Phil's accuracy is about 30% over the past decade according to NOAA, 39% overall since 1887 per Stormfax Almanac, and various studies place it between 36-52%.
The sunrise forecast is historically delivered around 7:25 a.m. ET, with admissions beginning at 3:30 a.m. ET.
The celebration includes fireworks, talent shows, a new 'zoo' at Gobbler's Knob, and tens of thousands of attendees expected.
More than 30,000 people set a record for attendance last year.
History
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