Did Illinois’ Famous Groundhog See It’s Shadow Today?

Do we trust the Pennsylvania critter?

In case you missed it, Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow this morning, forecasting 6 more weeks of winter.

The little furry brat.

But, as you can guess, Punxsutawney Phil isn't the only groundhog people are turning to for long-term forecasts today. One of them is Woodstock Willie in Woodstock, Illinois, who has a 60% accuracy rate (compare that to Phil's 35-39% accuracy rate).

Woodstock, Illinois is particularly special too since it's where the movie "Groundhog Day" was filmed.

Woodstock Groundhog Days features movie festivities, performances, and of course, checking in with Woodstock Willie for the prognosis.

And We're Getting What?

I trust this groundhog a lot more.

Woodstock Willie did not see his shadow meaning we get an early spring!

Stephen Tobolowsky, who played Ned Ryerson in the movie, announced to the crowd there was no shadow.

This is exactly the forecast trend from last year: in 2025, Punxsutawney Phil predicted 6 more weeks of winter, while our boy Woodstock Willie forecasted an early spring.

When exactly it's gonna warm up is still obviously anyone's guess but the long-term spring 2026 forecast from real-life humans is out. But the Old Farmer's Almanac is predicting a warm and dry spring for a lot of us this year.

While a 60% accuracy rate is pretty impressive for Woodstock Willie, it does actually get better. Staten Island Chuck, for example, has an 85% accuracy rate (he did see his shadow today, predicting 6 more weeks of winter like Phil, but I'll choose to believe Willie).