He’s dark, handsome, and attracts men and women from western Pennsylvania and beyond. He’s the sexiest weather forecaster this side of the Mississippi, not to mention the most accurate. Every February 2, Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his electrically-heated flat, located on the posh Gobbler’s Knob right outside Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and makes his annual weather prediction. It’s a media frenzy, and Phil’s prediction is broadcast around the world.

Groundhog Day was first celebrated on February 2, 1886. According to a German legend, if the sun comes up on Candlemas Day, then a hedgehog will see its shadow, promising six more weeks of winter. No shadow means an early spring.

For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day,
so far will the snow swirl until May.
For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day,
so far will the sun shine before May.