Groundhog Day is returning once again, if you can believe it, as Americans flock to Pennsylvania for the odd tradition which sees a groundhog predict the weather. The tradition falls on February 2 every year and dates back to the 1880s, as Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his hole at Gobbler’s Knob. If the groundhog emerges from its hole at the end of hibernation and sees its shadow against the sunny weather, it will retreat back to its den with winter lasting a further six weeks. Related articles Groundhog Day 2019: When is Groundhog day - what is it? Groundhog Day 2019: When is Groundhog Day in the US this year? But if there are cloudy skies when the groundhog - a rodent from the marmots squirrel family - comes above ground the spring season will arrive early. America has been hit by brutally cold weather - colder than Antartica - with temperatures feeling close to -50C with wind chill, so many will be hoping Phil emerges from his hole when there are cloudy skies to welcome the start of spring. What time is Groundhog Day 2019? The event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania about 80 miles north-east of Pittsburgh, will begin at 2.30am EST (7.30am GMT), until 4pm (9pm GMT) on Saturday, February 2. But the estimated time groundhog Phil will emerge from his hole has not been confirmed. Groundhog Day 2019: What time is Groundhog Day TODAY? (Image: Getty ) Last year, he appeared some time around midday GMT. Every year the event is live streamed through the Visit Pennsylvania website and this year is no different. Even though the first event was held in 1887, there was an earlier mention of the day in the diary of James L Morris of Morgantown, Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The day was also mentioned in the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper in 1886. Related articles Groundhog Day 2018 live stream: Milltown Mel prediction – WATCH it Groundhog Day 2019 date, time, how to watch: When is Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day 2019: The tradition falls on February 2 every year (Image: Getty ) However it was not until 1887 when the day was considered to be official when people travelled to the Gobbler’s Knob part of town to consult the groundhog on the weather. Since then, people have gathered at the spot for the event every year on February 2. Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christmas tradition of Candlemas, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Groundhog Day 2019: Thousands flock to Pennsylvania for the annual tradition (Image: Getty ) Germans then reportedly expanded the same concept by selecting an animal - the hedgehog - as a means of predicting weather. When the Germans came to America, the tradition continued, however instead of hedgehogs, groundhogs were used. Other towns across America now have their own weather-predicting rodents from Birmingham Bill to Staten Island Chuck and Shubenacadie Sam in Canada.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility