It’s that time of year again — when we honor the German-American tradition of trusting a rodent to predict the changing of the seasons.
Folklore dictates that if a groundhog sees its shadow on the morning of Feb. 2, six more weeks of winter will follow. If it doesn’t, spring will come early.
Those interested in seeing men in top hats — known as the “Inner Circle” — translate the divinations of Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil from “groundhogese” to english can do so by watching the livestreamed event on FOX 29 Pennsylvania’s YouTube channel or Visit PA’s website. The OG groundhog will emerge from his home at Gobbler’s Knob at sunrise — around 7:25 a.m. — to make his prediction.
But if you’re a Bay Stater, you might consider watching one of Massachusetts’ groundhogs divine the weather instead.
The official state groundhog — Ms. G — lives on Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln. While she’s only been making predictions since 2008, her accuracy rate is an impressive 64%, compared to Phil’s 30%, according to NBC 10 Boston.
There’s also Cornelia — the Worcester EcoTarium’s groundhog. She will be performing her divinations at the museum on Sunday as well.
You can find out how and when to watch Ms. G and Cornelia predict the weather on Groundhog Day 2025 by clicking here.
