It's An Early Spring, Long Island's Groundhogs Predict

MALVERNE, NY — As part of Groundhog Day's festivities, local "forecaster" Malverne Mel is predicting an early spring.

Mel did not see his shadow, an official said on Friday morning, meaning we are fast-tracked out of winter, "Sorry skiers," he added.

It's a consensus among the area's groundhogs, as Holtsville Hal was also unable to see his shadow and is calling for an early spring.

Crowds gathered for the annual tradition to see Mel emerge from his home near the Malverne train station. Congressman Anthony D'Esposito was among those in attendance.

If the groundhogs saw their shadows, then we would be expecting to deal with six more weeks of winter.