Wrap up, furry Phil sees more winter ahead

IF YOU’RE tired of winter, Punxsutawney Phil had a message for you: get used to it.

The world's most famous furry forecaster "saw" his shadow this Groundhog Day morning, which, according to tradition, means six more weeks of winter. The prediction drew boos from thousands who gathered in -8º conditions to witness the 118th annual weather prediction.

The crowd, some clad in furry groundhog hats or even full costumes, chanted "Phil! Phil! Phil!" after fireworks and a night of rock music drew to an end and the ceremony neared.

The famous groundhog is reported to have seen his shadow 94 times since the tradition began. It is rooted in a German superstition that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow on February 2 Christian Candlemas winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, spring will come early. People from as far away as England came to the small town to shake off winter.

After seeing the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day, Mike and Anne Castledine, from Derbyshire, England, wanted to experience it for themselves.