After the recent snowstorm that brought significant snowfall and freezing rain to much of the country, many people may be wondering what’s in store for the weather.
Good thing, Groundhog Day, is coming up on Monday, Feb. 2.
It’s when the big question – will we have an early spring or another six weeks of winter – is we upon one small, but spunky animal, a groundhog.
It’s the day when the most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil, is trusted with deciding if winter is coming to an end or if we still need to keep our coats handy. Well, in the southwest, we may just need to keep our hoodies handy.
Here is everything you need to know about Groundhog Day 2026 and Punxsutawney Phil.
When is Groundhog Day 2026?
Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2. In 2026, the holiday will fall on a Monday.
The celebrations around Groundhog Day will last for multiple days leading up to the event. Phil will make his prediction early in the morning, and the celebration will continue until 7 p.m. MT/5 p.m. ET.
What is the point of Groundhog Day?
People flock to Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 2 every year to be a part of the celebrations revolving around Punxsutawney Phil’s winter forecast. The decision is based on whether he sees his shadow.
If he does not see his shadow, spring will arrive early.
The holiday stems from centuries-old Pagan and Christian traditions, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanack. It is also known as St. Brigid’s Day.
German settlers brought the tradition to America, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. But, before they made the trek to America, they checked to see if a hedgehog saw its shadow, not a groundhog.
Due to a lack of hedgehogs, the settlers began using another hibernating mammal: The groundhog.
The day eventually evolved into what we know it today. In 1886, Groundhog Day was acknowledged for the first time in Punxsutawney by a local newspaper, Weathers Wags, according to the club. In 1887, the first official pilgrimage to see Phil on Gobbler’s Knob while he made his predictions was made.
In 2025, 139 years later, Punxsutawney Phil is still making his predictions.
What time does Punxsutawney Phil make his call?
Punxsutawney Phil usually makes his weather call early in the morning. It typically happens after 7 a.m. ET (which will be 5 a.m. MT).
Where can you watch the Groundhog Day event?
To watch Punxsutawney Phil live, go to USA TODAY’s YouTube channel.
It will also be streamed on Visit Pa’s Groundhog Day Feed. It can also be seen live on Facebook. The livestream is expected to start at 4 a.m.MT/6 a.m. ET
Who is Punxsutawney Phil?
Punxsutawney Phil is the famous groundhog who predicts the weather in “Groundhogese,” according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
According to the club, Punxsutawney Phil is also known as the:
When he isn’t predicting the weather, he is at home with his wife, Phyliss.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok. USAToday contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When is Groundhog Day 2026? Where to watch Punxsutawney Phil
Reporting by Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
