Groundhog Day 2019 LIVE: What time and how to watch video of Punxsutawney Phil
GROUNDHOG Day is celebrated every February 2. But if you're unable to see Punxsutawney Phil in person, here is everything you need to know about streaming Groundhog Day 2019 live.
Groundhog Day 2019: Phil predicts an early spring
Groundhog Day has been a tradition in the US since the 1800s. The celebration revolves around a groundhog called Punxsutawney Phil, who comes out of his home to predict either six more weeks of winter weather or an early spring. People gather at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania on February 2 every year to find out what Phil will predict about the weather.
What time will Punxsutawney Phil appear?
Punxsutawney Phil is expected to emerge from his lair shortly after 7am ET (12pm GMT).
If the groundhog sees his shadow as he pops out, the US is headed for at least six more weeks of winter.
But if not, spring should arrive early, although the official first day of spring is Wednesday, March 20.
How to watch Punxsutawney Phil
The Visit Pennsylvania website live streams the big event every year.
Watch this year's predictions on the live cameras here.
The website also has more fun facts about the 133rd Groundhog Day, including the revelation that Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds and is 22 inches long.
The first Groundhog event was officially held in 1887, but there was also an earlier mention of the day in the diary of James L Morris of Morgantown, Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
The day was first written about in the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper in 1886.
A year later, the day became official, as people started travelling to the Gobbler’s Knob part of town to find out more about the weather from the groundhog.
Since then, people have gathered at the spot every year on February 2.
Groundhog Day 2019: Revellers enjoy live performance
Groundhog Day also has roots in the ancient Christmas tradition of Candlemas.
This was when clergy would bless and distribute candles that were needed for winter.
The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be.
Rather than using candles now, people rely on the groundhog.