When a groundhog “sees its shadow,” it’s part of a folk-weather tradition that says you’ll get six more weeks of winter; if it doesn’t see its shadow, it means an early spring is on the way.

Quick meaning

  • Sees shadow : Legend says winter sticks around for about six more weeks.
  • Doesn’t see shadow : Legend says spring will come early.

This comes from old Pennsylvania Dutch (German) superstition tied to Candlemas, where a sunny day meant more winter to come.

How seriously should you take it?

  • It’s a fun cultural tradition, not real meteorology.
  • Analyses of Punxsutawney Phil’s record put his “accuracy” roughly around coin-flip level, often quoted at well under 50%.
  • Actual seasonal forecasts come from meteorologists and climate data, not groundhogs.

So: it mainly means a bit of mid‑winter entertainment and an excuse for a quirky yearly ritual, not a reliable weather forecast.