Groundhog Day 2026 Channel Guide Punxsutawney Phil's famous Groundhog Day prediction, happening today on February 2, 2026, is primarily broadcast on major networks covering the event from Gobbler's Knob in Pennsylvania. This yearly tradition draws massive viewership, with the "+600% Click" in your query likely nodding to the viral surge in searches and streams as folks scramble for live updates right around now. For 2026, expect comprehensive coverage blending classic ceremony footage with fresh twists like The Weather Channel's new AI groundhog, Chuck Burrows.

Main Broadcast Channels

  • CBS Philadelphia / KDKA-TV : The go-to for the official live stream and ceremony. Tune in via their YouTube channel or local CBS affiliate for the full Punxsutawney Phil emergence starting early morning (around 7 AM ET). They've hosted reliable streams for years, including 2025's event.
  • The Weather Channel : Heavy focus on Groundhog Day with their innovative AI groundhog Chuck Burrows debuting in predictions. Catch it on cable/satellite (check your provider for channel 362 on DirecTV or similar) or their app/website for live HQ coverage. Chuck's preview aired January 30 on "America’s Morning Headquarters."
  • NBC News / Local Affiliates : Often provides national live streams, as seen in prior years like 2025. Available on NBC's YouTube or over-the-air in many markets.

Streaming & Digital Options

Here's a quick breakdown of where to watch without cable:

Platform| Channel/Stream| Key 2026 Highlight| Availability
---|---|---|---
YouTube| CBS Philadelphia Live| Official Punxsutawney Phil ceremony| Free, starts ~7 AM ET 2
The Weather Channel App| America's Morning Headquarters| AI Groundhog Chuck Burrows debut| Free trial/streamtwc.com 1
NBC News YouTube| Live Groundhog Day Coverage| National feed with weather tie- ins| Free 5
Local News Sites| ABC7Chicago, etc. (region-specific)| Woodstock Willie alternatives| Free 4

Trending Twists & Fun Facts

This year's buzz amps up with The Weather Channel's Chuck Burrows, an AI- powered groundhog predicting not just shadows but sports and awards—think hyper-realistic CGI in a Weather vest, no hallucinations promised. Forums and social media are exploding with speculation: Will Phil see his shadow for six more weeks of winter, or call early spring amid this mild 2026 season so far? Past viral stars like Chunk the Groundhog (Delaware's chunky YouTube sensation with 175K subs) add to the chatter, though he's not the main event.

Multiple viewpoints from online discussions highlight the fun divide—purists stick to Phil's tradition (he's been at it since the 1880s), while tech fans rave about AI upgrades making forecasts more engaging. No major controversies this year, just wholesome hype as winter-weary viewers flock to streams.

TL;DR : Primary channel is CBS for Punxsutawney Phil; Weather Channel for AI flair—check YouTube for free live access today.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.