Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog forecasts that spring will come early this year

As the Midwest and East Coast try to recover from this week’s dangerous Arctic blast, Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog didn’t see his shadow this groundhog day, and predicted that warmer weather are not far off.

Members of Punxsutawney Phil‘s top hat-wearing inner circle revealed their forecast at sunrise on Saturday.

WATCH: Global Kingston Weather anchor, Bill Hall hits the streets to discuss Groundhog Day with local residents.

3:08 Weather anchor looks for answers about Groundhog Day

The festivities have their origin in a German legend that says if a furry rodent casts a shadow on Feb. 2, winter continues. If not, spring comes early.

In reality, Phil’s prediction is decided ahead of time by the group on Gobbler’s Knob, a tiny hill just outside Punxsutawney. That’s about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

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READ MORE: Winter weather forecast — what Canadians can expect from coast to coast 

WATCH: Feb. 2, 2018 — Groundhog Day — Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter

2:15 Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter