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Holtsville Hal predicts a longer winter on Groundhog Day; Malverne Mel disagrees

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It looks like winter isn’t going away anytime soon.

That’s at least what Holtsville Hal reports. The groundhog suggested today that Long Island will have six more weeks of winter.

The furry marmot who calls the Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve home woke up bright and early this morning — on his day — to deliver his weather prognostication for the coming months.

Officially, the time was 7:25 a.m. on Groundhog Day when Brookhaven Town highways Superintendent Daniel Losquadro announced that Hal did see his shadow when he emerged from his burrow.

This traditionally means that spring could arrive a little later in 2023.

“I’m always hopeful Holtsville Hal will not see his shadow and assist with my snow removal budget,” said Losquadro. “However, if Hal’s prediction proves to be correct, the Brookhaven Highway Department remains ready to handle whatever Mother Nature decides to send our way.”

Further west in Nassau County, Malverne Mel of Crossroads Farm it seems didn’t see his shadow and predicted an early spring in 2023. Little Mel’s 28th annual prophecy should brighten the day of many Long Islanders since he reportedly has been 78% accurate with his predictions.

Top:  Hal greets the crowd at Holtsville Ecology Site and Animal Preserve on Groundhog Day 2023. (Courtesy)

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