TORRINGTON – Every year on February 2nd, people across North America turn their attention to a furry forecaster: the groundhog. Groundhog Day is quirky tradition that has become a beloved cultural phenomenon that blends superstition, folklore and fun. 

Groundhog Day finds its roots in ancient European customs tied to weather prediction. The day coincides with Candlemas, a Christian holiday marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. In historical European tradition, people believed that a sunny Candlemas meant a longer winter, while cloudy weather signaled an early spring. German settlers brought this tradition to Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries. Instead of relying on a hedgehog, as they had in Europe, they adapted the custom to use the groundhog—a hibernating rodent native to North America. 

The tradition is simple and familiar: if the groundhog emerges from its burrow and the sunny weather allows it to see its shadow, winter is forecasted to continue for six more weeks. If it doesn’t see its shadow, spring is on its way.

The most famous celebration takes place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home to the legendary groundhog Punxsutawney Phil. Thousands of spectators gather early in the morning at Gobbler’s Knob to witness Phil’s prediction, which is presented by the Inner Circle, a group of top-hatted and tuxedoed local dignitaries. While Punxsutawney remains the epicenter, similar events are held in other communities with their own local groundhogs, such as Canada’s Wiarton Willie and Georgia’s General Beauregard Lee.

While the tradition may seem niche, it has captured widespread attention thanks to the 1993 film Groundhog Day. The comedy, starring Bill Murray, transformed the holiday into a metaphor for repetition and second chances. It has become a modern Groundhog Day tradition to watch the movie, even with some Groundhog-themed baked goods or Groundhog casserole, a recipe suspiciously similar to tater tot casserole but only enjoyed on February 2.

Despite its charm, Groundhog Day is far from a reliable meteorological tool. Studies suggest that groundhogs have a success rate of only about 39% in predicting the weather. Regardless, fingers will be crossed this Sunday for a sunny day for the official seasonal prognostication.