More Snow Or An Early Spring On Long Island? Only The Groundhogs Know

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Islanders were treated to some long-awaited snow Sunday into Monday, but the question remains: will there be six more weeks of winter or early spring in 2024?

Holtsville Hal, Malverne Mel, and Quogue's Sam Champion may have the answer on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2.

Hundreds will gather at the Holtsville Ecology Site to hear Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro announce Hal’s famous forecast at 7:25 a.m.

While Mel's festivities kick off at Crossroads Farm at Grossman's at 7 a.m.

Sam will make his prognostication at the Quogue Library from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The celebration will include guest speakers from the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, activities, a showing of the movie, "Groundhog Day," as well as hot chocolate and groundhog-themed treats. Visitors will be given a limited-edition Quogue Library mug.

If the groundhogs see their shadow after stirring from hibernation, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; if not, spring will arrive early.

Whether Hal and Mel will agree or not is another story, as the two have differed in the past.

Losquado called the celebration "an enjoyable tradition for many local families."

“I’m always hopeful Hal will predict an early spring to help my snow removal budget, but either way this is a much-anticipated event each year in Brookhaven Town," he said.

Hal will not be the only animal available for viewing at the ecology center.

After the ceremony, the center's more than 100 non-releasable, injured furry and fuzzy residents while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and bagels by by 7-Eleven and Bagel Lovers. The venue opens at 7 a.m.