Breaking News! 6 More Weeks of Winter! ...

Punxsutawney Phil makes Groundhog Day prediction: 6 more weeks of winter!

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. —

Video above from 2021: Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter

Six more weeks of winter is on the way. Punxsutawney Phil made his prediction around 7:25 a.m. ET Wednesday at Gobbler's Knob.

Phil's "inner circle" summoned him from his tree stump to learn if he saw his shadow. According to folklore, there will be six more weeks of winter if he sees his shadow. If he doesn't, spring comes early.

The event took place virtually last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, depriving the community, which is about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, of a boost from tourists.

It was streamed live and seen by more than 15,000 viewers worldwide at one point. About 150 cardboard cutouts of fans were there to "watch."

Thousands returned in person this year.

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

According to records dating back to 1887, Phil has predicted winter more than 100 times. Ten years were lost because no records were kept, organizers said.

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Here in Texas we have Armadillo Day and we have Bee Cave Bob!

Bee Cave Bob the Armadillo to predict Texas’ forecast for next few weeks.

Ralph Fisher, Bob’s handler said, “I have had him now for almost 13 years.”

Bee Cave Bob was born in Bee Cave, Texas, a town outside of Austin which is known as the globe’s geographical western pole.

“A lot of hair and a lot of fat, that’s what keeps him nice and warm,” is how Fisher described Bee Cave Bob. “He represents the state of Texas. It is the state’s smallest mammal.”

Ten years ago, a group called the Benevolent Knights of the Racoon out of Bee Cave began a tradition that still stands today.

“We have BBQ or chili and then we release the armadillo to see if he will see his shadow and can predict the weather,” said Fisher.

These folks give no time or attention to Punxsutawney Phil. Instead, these Texans watch Bee Cave Bob’s moves on February 2.

“We think he has these extra sensory perceptions that kind of predict the weather,” Fisher said.

If Bee Cave Bob sees his shadow, we will experience a delayed departure of Old Man Winter.

“Six more weeks of bad weather,” Fisher said.

If he does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early.

This year’s event is closed to the permies. Bee Cave Bob will make his predictions from Bee Cave, Texas early in the afternoon.

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I’m about 40 miles from Punxy (as we call it up here) and I’ve been to see Phil.  My take on it here is that only six more weeks of winter and an early spring are the same thing!  I feel lucky if winter ends before mid March.

Only 6 more weeks of winter!  That would make for a very early spring here in New Hampshire.