Groundhog Day 2026: NYC’s Staten Island Chuck sees his shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — New York City’s own Staten Island Chuck made his annual weather prediction. Chuck saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
According to the Staten Island Zoo, Chuck has been accurate in his predictions nearly 80% of the time.
Meanwhile, the famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania forecasted six more weeks of winter after seeing his own shadow.
Punxsutawney Phil has now predicted six more weeks of winter 108 times and an early spring only 21 times — with no record of 10 of those years since 1887, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
ALSO READ: Groundhog Day facts: What to know about the annual tradition
Every Groundhog Day thousands gather in Punxsutawney, PA, to receive the prediction of the beloved Punxsutawney Phil.
According to American tradition, the groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2. If the groundhog sees its shadow when it emerges, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive soon.
This tradition started in Europe as Candlemas Day. Germans who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s brought the custom to America.
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