The world's most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did not see his shadow today meaning he has predicted an early spring.
Thousands of people gathered at dawn in Punxsutawney, a small town northeast of Pittsburgh, to celebrate Groundhog Day and watch Phil make his way out of his tree stump to offer his annual weather forecast.
According to legend, if the rodent sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, blustery weather will persist for six weeks.
If it is cloudy and no shadow appears, the onset of spring is near.
According to legend, if the rodent sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, frigid and blustery weather will persist for six weeks.
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Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting when winter will end since 1887.
At the event, a scroll was read out supposedly written by the groundhog and it said: "Hear ye, now on this February 2nd Punxsutawney Phil, the CEO of Sears prognosticator of all prognosticators, was awakened from his wintry nap at dawn Gobblers Knob.
"He looks to the skies and then speaking in Groundhog he's directed the President to the proper scroll, which reads: another winter slumbered.
"Pause so I can meet the crowd. It's hard to sleep anyway when the party's this loud.
The event was incredibly busy as people waited for the prediction
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"I envy your energy. I envy the fun. I envy all of you and your opposable thumbs. But it's not what I feel. It's what I see and what you hear. So gather around and let me be clear.
"Atmosphere is a wonderful thing. And we can create our own and the weather it brings. It brings hope for the future and so much more. Maybe some Punxsutawney Phil write-in votes in 2024.
"But what this weather did not provide, is a shadow or reason to hide.
"Glad Tidings on this Groundhog Day an early spring is on the way."
The famous groundhog predicted an early spring
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Christine Maher from the University of Southern Maine told NPR: "It's the middle of winter, literally.
"Frankly, we're bored, and we're looking for something to keep us occupied during this time of year.
"Maybe guessing about the weather is an idiosyncratic way to keep us engaged. And maybe we're desperate for a sign that spring is coming."