An Early Spring! How Accurate is Punxsutawney Phil?

Punxsutawney Phil has predicted six more weeks of winter 80% of the time, over the past 133 years. This year however, he predicted an early spring!

Looking at the 7 day forecast, you may think Phil is onto something. But really, it’s only early February! We are just now heading into what has been known to be the stormiest time of the winter here in PA.

Just how accurate is Punsutawney Phil? Only about 39% of the time, according to Stormfax Almanac. Although, it is unclear as to how accuracy is measured and the variables taken into consideration when measuring Phil’s accuracy.

Enjoy the “warmth” over the next week everyone, because you’ll be back to shoveling soon enough! Be sure to share this reality check with your Spring or Winter-loving friends and family below!

Josh has been passionate about weather as long as his memory dates! From watching the Weather Channel at age 7, to making hand-drawn hurricane maps at age 11, starting his first weather site at 13, and founding PWA at 15 and forecasting for the state for the past 9 years, Josh's interest in weather has never dwindled! As difficult as it is, he greatly enjoys forecasting for Pennsylvania due to its countless microclimates. The state is an East Coast severe weather hotspot and nearly always home to the rain/snow line during winter storms!