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Those tired of snow up north may have to endure some more.

Today is Groundhog Day in the United States. As is tradition, the famous groundhog of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil, was removed from his nest at Gobbler’s Knob by the members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club to deliver his yearly weather prediction. For those who don’t live in the United States, if the groundhog sees his shadow and returns to his burrow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t see it, it means spring will come early. Considering the large snow storm that just landed in the northeastern United States, many would probably appreciate an early end to winter, but sadly, it wasn’t in the cards this year.


“Now, when I turn to see, there’s a perfect shadow cast of me. Six more weeks of winter there will be,” Phil’s proclamation read, according to one of his handlers.

Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney is typically a rather large affair, with citizens and tourists gathering in the street to celebrate. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the town was forced to severely limit this year’s festivities. No crowds were permitted at Phil’s announcement, nor did the event feature any special guests. The only ones permitted to attend were the members of the Groundhog Club, all of whom were required to wear face masks.

To ensure citizens could still see the event, it was livestreamed on the official Punxsutawney Phil YouTube channel.