The cold is sticking around for a little longer.
Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow after emerging from his den in Pennsylvania on Monday morning — signifying six more weeks of winter.
If the world-famous prognosticating groundhog had not seen his shadow, it would’ve meant spring was near.
Thousands of revelers braved negative 1 degree weather and made the trek to Gobbler’s Knob in the small borough of Punxsutawney in Jefferson County for the festivities culminating in the beloved Phil’s appearance, according to the age-old 139-year-old folklore dating back to 1887.
As part of the tradition, members of the Inner Circle, recognized by their top hats and tuxedos, gathered around Phil’s stump.
At daybreak, Phil was woken and spoke to the President of the Inner Circle, Tom Dunkel, in “Groundhogese,” the only person who understands the language because of an ancient acacia wood cane.
The president translated the message before conveying the results to the vice president, who read from one of the two prepared scrolls and announced Phil’s prediction.
Phil has been scrutinized for his accuracy in recent years, having only accurately forecasted the weather approximately 35% of the time, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
However, out of 19 weather-predicting rodents, Phil’s New York cousin, Staten Island Chuck, led the way in accuracy, scoring a more favorable 85 percent prediction rate.
In the weeks leading up to his big day, Phil toured the commonwealth, including a stop outside Penn State University in State College, where his appearance produced a wait time of over two hours, according to the Centre County Gazette.
Animal rights activists led by PETA — putting on their own yearly tradition — called for Punxsatawney Phil to retire, and this year suggested a hologram replace the beloved animal.
The animal rights organization sent a letter to Dunkel, requesting that the fluffy weather predictor be replaced with a dazzling 3-D projection complete with “vocal weather predictions,” to let Phil and his family retire from the annual Feb. 2 ceremony to a “reputable sanctuary.”
Last year, before Phil declared six more weeks of winter, PETA suggested organizers use a “weather reveal” vegan cake instead of the lovable groundhog.
