Quantcast

Holtsville Hal, Malverne Mel Predict an Early Spring on Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day
Malverne Mal with his handler Bruce Berger at Crossroad’s Farm at Grossmans in Melville on Groundhog Day, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. (Photo by Joe Abate)

Long Island’s two weather-forecasting woodchucks, Holtsville Hal and Malverne Mel, both did not see their shadow on Groundhog Day, meaning spring-like weather will start early, according to lore.

Welcome news the day after a nor’easter blanketed the region in more than a foot of snow, the two groundhogs were once again in agreement, as they were last year when they both saw their shadows and predicted six more weeks of winter. 

They bucked the forecast of the nation’s top groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, who saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.

Of the tristate area’s other weather-predicting rodents, Staten Island Chuck, New Jersey’s Milltown Mel, and upstate New York’s Dunkirk Dave also predicted an early spring, the same as last year. Phoebe, standing in for for Connecticut’s Chuckles, agreed with Phil and forecast six more weeks of winter.

Of the two newcomers on LI, Great Neck Greta, who debuted last year, took today off, while Quogue Quigley also forecast an early spring.

Regardless of what the woodchucks say, the spring equinox is six weeks away: March 20.

Sign up for Long Island Press’ email newsletters hereSign up for home delivery of Long Island Press here. Sign up for discounts by becoming a Long Island Press community partner here.