Fresno Holds First Groundhog Day Forecast

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Fresno, California is holding its inaugural Groundhog Day celebration this Saturday, February 2nd, 2026. The city has selected a local groundhog to make the annual weather prediction, continuing a tradition started in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania over a century ago.

Why it matters

Groundhog Day has become a beloved tradition in many parts of the United States, with people gathering to see if the furry forecaster sees its shadow, signaling six more weeks of winter. Fresno's new Groundhog Day event aims to bring the community together and establish a unique local tradition.

The details

The Fresno Groundhog Day celebration will take place at Woodward Park, with the groundhog making its prediction at 7:30 am on February 2nd. Local officials have selected a resident groundhog named Maple to be the official weather prognosticator. Maple will be presented to the crowd, and if the groundhog sees its shadow, it will signal six more weeks of winter in the Fresno area.

• The inaugural Fresno Groundhog Day event will take place on Saturday, February 2nd, 2026.
• Maple the groundhog will make its weather prediction at 7:30 am on February 2nd.

What’s next

If Maple sees its shadow, the Fresno community will prepare for six more weeks of winter weather. If Maple does not see its shadow, it will signal an early spring for the region.