Ironically enough in their defense their predictions are only a little bit less accurate from what weather experts consider a good forecast:
"The Groundhog Clubās records show that Phil has predicted more winter 103 times, and an early spring only 19 times. Based on data from the Stormfax Almanac, that means Philās accuracy rate is a pathetic 39 percent⦠but thereās a twist. Although Philās resume isnāt looking very good, itās really not that bad when compared to the accuracy of professionals in the field. According to National Weather Service meteorologist David Unger āif our forecasts are about 60 percent accurate or higher, then we consider that to be a good estimateā. That means our leading experts in the field, with the latest and greatest weather predicting technology, consider a āgood estimateā to be only 21 percent higher than the accuracy of a mid-sized meteorological rodent."