On a chilling Monday, Dunkirk Dave offered some optimism.

When venturing out this morning, he saw no shadow. That means an early spring.

Dave’s prediction came when temperatures in northern Chautauqua County were in the single digits.

That’s a much better outcome than what Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicted. His was six more weeks of winter after emerging from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob and seeing his shadow.

Thousands gathered in Punxsutawney early this morning for the annual Groundhog Day celebration, highlighting the event’s continued importance to the Commonwealth and its tourism economy. Winter tourism plays a vital role in Pennsylvania, supporting local communities, small businesses, and seasonal recreation across the state.