PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) 鈥 A furry critter in a western Pennsylvania town has predicted six more weeks of winter during an annual Groundhog Day celebration.
People as members of Punxsutawney Phil鈥檚 鈥渋nner circle鈥 summoned the groundhog from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he has seen his shadow 鈥 and they say he did. According to folklore, if he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn鈥檛, spring comes early.
The 鈥渋nner circle鈥 is a group of local dignitaries who are responsible for planning the events, as well as feeding and caring for Phil himself.
The , about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh, originated from a German legend about a furry rodent. The gathering annually attracts thousands.
The 香港六合彩挂牌资料 Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration compared Punxsutawney Phil鈥檚 forecast to the national weather the last 10 years and found 鈥渙n average, Phil has gotten it right 40% of the time.鈥
This year, Phil's prediction came during a week when has lingered across much of the southern U.S.
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.
The and also called for six more weeks of winter.
While Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous groundhog seer, he鈥檚 certainly not the only one. New York City鈥檚 Staten Island Chuck made his prediction for an early spring during an event Thursday at the Staten Island Zoo. Phil and Chuck are among a broad selection of .
