Will there be six more weeks of winter or is spring around the corner?

On Sunday morning, the country welcomes the return of the beloved Pennsylvania groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, who, as legend has it, determines whether we should bundle up for six more weeks of winter or prepare for an early spring.

Here’s what you should know about Groundhog Day 2025.

What is Groundhog Day?

Groundhog Day is rooted in the Christian holiday Candlemas, the midway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox. During Candlemas, Christians would light candles to predict how long winter would last.

The first official Groundhog Day was held Feb. 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. According to History.com, we can thank newspaper editor Clymer Freas for the special day, as he and a group of groundhog hunters declared a groundhog from the town the official predictor.

Today, the ceremony is organized by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, which also cares for the groundhog year-round.

When is Groundhog Day 2025?

Groundhog Day occurs each year on Feb. 2. This year, Groundhog Day falls on a Sunday.

Groundhog Day is not a federal holiday, so banks, mail and trash services, schools, grocery stores, federal offices, local governments, libraries and stock markets are typically open (Sunday/weekend hours permitting). But in Punxsutawney, celebrations featuring talent shows, banquets and performances are held to commemorate the day.

Did Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow?

Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.

Did Buckeye Chuck see his shadow?

Buckeye Chuck emerged from his burrow to cloudy skies, which by folklore, means spring is just around the corner.

What does it mean if the groundhog sees his shadow?

In theory, if Phil sees his shadow, we can expect six more weeks of winter weather. If Phil doesn’t see his shadow, we can expect an early spring.

How accurate is Groundhog Day? How often is Punxsutawney Phil right?

The Stormfax Weather Almanac says the groundhog is only correct about 39% of the time. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Phil was only right 40% of the time between 2012 and 2021.

In comparison, Buckeye Chuck, had been correct an estimated 75% of the time as of last year, according to the Marion Star, a part of the USA TODAY Network.