On Feb 2, the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil declared six more weeks of winter. Crowds of people gather in Punxsutawney, PA, dressed in tuxedos and top hats to watch his weather prediction. 

If he sees his shadow, he will return to his burrow, and that is supposed to mean that winter will last for another six weeks. If he does not see his shadow, that means that it is an early spring and is supposed to predict that the weather will warm up. 

Biology teacher Cassandra Chavez said, “I would really like to get a little more use out of my coats.”

This year, he did see his shadow and therefore has predicted that winter will last for another six weeks. 

Groundhog Day happens every Feb 2. This holiday has been celebrated. This is a day when a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow. This tradition originated in German folklore that was brought to North America by German immigrants. Long before scientific and accurate weather forecasts, people used animals to predict the change in seasons. 

While it is not a science-based practice, many people enjoy it because it is a quirky tradition that has been an annual celebration since 1887. Although it is not always right, many people get their hopes up that the weather will change to their preferences. 

As record-breaking cold weather and winter storms hit many parts of the country, many people turn to this tradition in hopes that it will warm up soon. However, here in Los Angeles, where it was 90 degrees during the first week of February, some people have hoped winter would last a bit longer.