Groundhog Day is celebrated in the United States and Canada on Feb. 2 annually. According to traditions, a groundhog predicts the weather conditions in North America for the next six weeks.

Phil, the groundhog, emerges every year at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

If the animal sees his shadow, he predicts that there would be six more weeks of the winter season. But Phil not seeing the shadow indicates there would be an early spring.

Traditions of Groundhog Day

With Groundhog Day’s popularity growing, other U.S. cities have adopted the celebration. Thousands of people still attend the ceremony in Pennsylvania.

The following events have been scheduled for Feb. 2, as per the Groundhog Club website:

1. Lunch With Phil
2. Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent
3. Member’s Reception
4. Inner Circle’s Groundhog Ball
5. Annual Groundhog Banquet

Accuracy of Phil’s Forecast

The U.S. National Centers for Environmental Information says that the furry rodent has often been wrong with its predictions. “Even though he’s been forecasting since 1887, Phil’s track record for the entire country isn’t perfect,” the NCEI website says.