Keeping score: The groundhog vs. the temperature record, 2024

Everyone's favorite groundhog predicts an early spring. Will Phil be right?

This curious groundhog isn't Punxsutawney Phil, but they sure are cute.

This curious groundhog isn't Punxsutawney Phil, but they sure are cute. (Image credit: iStock)

In Gobbler's Knob, Pennsylvania, at the crack of dawn this morning, the nation's most famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow — meaning an early spring, according to longstanding folklore.

In 2023, Phil "predicted" a longer winter and shorter spring when official observers declared he did see his shadow.

But did he get it right? Find out more about how different parts of the country fared last year.

Infographic showing an illustrated groundhog with a table showing the spring predictions made by “Punxsutawney Phil” versus U.S. temperature departures from average from the NOAA U.S. Climate report from 2013-2023.
Infographic showing an illustrated groundhog with a table showing the spring predictions made by “Punxsutawney Phil” versus U.S. temperature departures from average from the NOAA U.S. Climate report from 2014-2023. (Image credit: NOAA/NCEI)

As Phil surely knows, accurate seasonal forecasting is hard work.

Happy Groundhog Day to all!