6 More Weeks of Winter

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Today, the world’s most famous weather forecaster, the groundhog, emerged from his burrow in Punxsuttonville, Pennsylvania and saw his shadow—according to tradition, it would be 6 more weeks of winter before spring arrived. This ancient ritual, celebrated since 1887, captures the seasonal hopes and frustrations of many people in the United States.

According to the folklore behind Groundhog Day, if the sun is shining here and Punxsuttoni Phil is watching its shadow, the cold of winter will roll around in mid-March. If no shadow appears, usually due to cloudy conditions, it portends the early arrival of spring. Although this quirky tradition captures imaginations every year, its accuracy as a weather forecaster is mixed.

The shade of a punxsutoni fill carries cultural weight. Meteorologists note that Groundhog Day roughly aligns with the calendar anyway, since spring doesn’t officially arrive until late March each year.

A look at Phil’s shadow on February 2, 2026 suggests that the cold pattern currently controlling much of the country could persist for several more weeks, especially in areas that have already seen strong winters. Literally interpreted, the forecast points to colder temperatures and blizzards.

3 Must have climate for 6 weeks of winter

Whether you trust the Punxsuttoni Phil forecast or not, the following items can help you and your home weather the rest of the winter.

Homeowner’s Survival Kit

This year Bob Villa approved Tested, vetted, must-haves are must-haves to survive in today’s home ownership.