Groundhog gives oft-repeated forecast for more winter

Punxsutawney Phil, the official oracle of Groundhog Day, predicted six more weeks of winter Friday morning. The legend goes that if the groundhog does not see his shadow, spring will arrive in two weeks. But in the past 130 years, Phil and his forebears have forecast an early spring only 18 times. Still, the annual rodent watch gives residents in Punxsutawney, Pa., a fun excuse for a winter fete. Thousands of people gathered overnight in freezing temperatures to await the forecast, entertained by folk music and a fireworks display. Other groundhogs offered their own predictions Friday: Milltown Mel of New Jersey and Staten Island Chuck of New York both predicted an early spring, but neither of them have the recognition and respect Phil does, even if his prophecies are less than reliable.