Every year on February 2, Punxsutawney, Pa., hosts the famous Groundhog Day celebration where Punxsutawney Phil predicts the weather.
This year, when Phil came out from his burrow, he saw his shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter are ahead.
For some, that’s a letdown, but others are excited about the possibility of more snow and cold weather.
Eighth grader Luca Pierannunzio said, “I am very disappointed that it is six more weeks of snow. I am hoping he is not correct.”
According to the website “The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club” the tradition has been around for over one hundred-thirty years.
However, not everyone believes that a groundhog can predict the weather. After all, how can an animal know when the weather will change? What if last year, Phil predicted an early spring, but the cold weather stuck around much longer than expected.
Some people have started to question whether Phil’s predictions are anything more than coincidence.
Pierannunzio said, “I think it has been very accurate over the years because he keeps seeing his shadow, and we keep getting 6 more weeks of winter”
However, others argue that it’s all part of the fun and mystery surrounding the tradition.
No one knows for sure if Phil can predict the weather but it always gets the crowd hyped up but not for Pierannunzio.
Pierannunzio said, “I don’t like him, and he said six more weeks of winter. He’s also boring.”
Even with doubts about the accuracy, people still gather to see Phil every year, and thousands tune in to watch.
