It is almost time for “Weather Predictor Extraordinaire,” Punxsutawney Phil, to decide if six more weeks of winter are in our future or if spring is right around the corner.

And for many in the Carolinas, it is hopes for the latter after the weekend snowstorm.

Groundhog Day is the time when a legendary groundhog makes his prediction as thousands of his biggest fans gather to cheer Phil on during his yearly duty on Groundhog Day in the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

In the years since the tradition of the groundhog seeing his shadow started, it has become a cultural phenomenon that leads up to a big party/

And the party is alreday under way early in the morning, hours before Phil was even “awake”. People with Phil signs and groundhog hats on danced to music, enjoyed fireworks and the much-anticipated main event.

The big question is, will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow or not?

“Wake up Phil! Wake up Phil!” filled the air before Phil’s big reveal in Pennsylvania on Monday, Feb. 2, before the groundhog came into the light to predict whether we’ll see six more weeks of winter or an early spring. 

The crowd encouraged Phil to wake up just a short time before the sun began to rise on the cold morning in Pennsylvania, just after 7 a.m.  

Chants of “Phil! Phil! Phil!” filled the air as Punxsutawney Phil was awaken from his slumber ― he was very comfortable in his hay bed ― to make his prediction.  

Punxsutawney Phil brought cheers, and some boos, as he predicted six more weeks of winter this year.

Phil’s prediction typically happens after 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Where to watch if the groundhog will see his shadow?

You can watch a live feed of the event at Visit Pennsylvania’s website on Groundhog Day. The livestream, started at 4 a.m. ET and you can find it here. You can also see USA TODAY’s live stream at the top of this story.

When is Groundhog Day 2026?

Groundhog Day is on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.

It might not be a federal holiday, but people in the U.S. tune in to see if Phil, or their own local groundhog celebrity, sees his shadow every year on the same day, Feb. 2. If he sees his shadow, he predicts six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, it’s a forecast of an early spring. 

Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil almost always predicts this

According to Groundhog Day legend, winter will last six more weeks if Phil sees his shadow, but there will be an early spring if he doesn’t.

What is Groundhog Day?

In the American tradition of Groundhog Day, the nation’s most well-known groundhog takes a stance on the season ahead.

The biggest celebration happens in Pennsylvania. Each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Gobbler’s Knob becomes a hive of activity for those wondering if winter is going to last a few more weeks. The celebration is free and spectators can enter the grounds starting at 3 a.m. ET. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club celebrates with talent shows, banquets and performances leading up to, and after, the prediction.