The furry rodent from Gobbler’s Knob forecast a further blast of wintry weather on the horizon, relaying his forecast to tuxedoed men in top hats just after 12.25pm GMT (7.25am EST).
Large crowds of thousands cheered on Phil as he emerged from hibernation on his tiny hill near the town of Punxsutawney, about 65 miles away from Pittsburgh.
The cute rodent, derived from a group of large ground squirrels known as marmots, was paraded in front of wellwishers who cheered and danced to music.
Pictures showed people looking on in excitement, entertained by folk music and a fireworks display despite the bitingly-cold temperatures of -12C.
A tongue-in-cheek sign which read ‘Make America Warm Again’ was one of the many placards on show while other people dressed in hats and coats held up Punxsutawney mascots.
Tradition dictates that when Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his hole, if he sees his shadow then winter will continue for several more weeks.
Phil is said to relay his predictions to members of the “Inner Circle”, who are the only ones who can understand what he says.
What is Groundhog Day?
Groundhog Day has been around since 1887 when the 130-year-old custom was introduced by local newspaper editor Clymer Freas.
It was brought to the US by German immigrants arriving in Pennsylvania in the 17th and 18th century and is linked to Candlemas Day on February 2.
Historically, on this day clear conditions signalled the continuous cold winter while cloudy skies signalled warmer days ahead.
Punxsutawney Phil is USA’s official groundhog forecaster but he is not without his competition.
A New York City borough groundhog, named Buckeye Chuck, also relayed a further six weeks of cold and snow although he is not recognised by the official groundhog website.
Today’s forecast is likely to be bad news for residents sick of the freezing cold temperatures that have plagued North America over the last few weeks.
Records dating back to 1887 show Phil has now predicted winter 103 times while forecasting an early spring just 18 times including last year.
However, the rodent has only been correct six times in his last 30 predictions, according to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Groundhog Day has achieved worldwide far since the release of the 1993 romantic comedy film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.