Essex County Groundhog Makes Predictions For 2026: Weather, Super Bowl Winner

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — More winter weather and the Seahawks in the Super Bowl. That was the prediction “Lady Edwina of Essex” made at an annual Groundhog Day event in Essex County.

On Monday, the Turtle Back Zoo’s resident weather prognosticator saw her shadow – a sign that a chilly winter will continue. If Edwina didn’t see her shadow, it would have heralded warmer temperatures and an early spring, according to Groundhog Day mythology.

Essex County also has another local tradition: asking its resident groundhog to predict the winner of the upcoming Super Bowl.

This year, the Seattle Seahawks are taking on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, and Edwina is calling the game for the Seahawks.

Last year, Edwina predicted the Philadelphia Eagles would defeat the Kansas City Chiefs – which proved correct.

• See Related: 2 NJ Groundhogs, Turtle Make Winter Weather Predictions

This is the fifth year that Essex Edwina has made mid-winter and Super Bowl forecasts. Her predecessor, Essex Ed, had predicted the mid-winter forecast since 1997, before passing away in 2022. Prior to Ed, the zoo had various other groundhogs forecast the weather dating back to the 1970s.

County officials shared the following prediction from Edwina:

“Let me start off by saying, this winter hasn’t been fun

“It’s been windy and cold and it’s snowed well… A TON!

“Sure, I’ve been bundled up warm, in my nice cozy bed

“But my wifi’s been working, I know what’s being said

“You wanted more snow, but this is more than you planned

“And weeks below freezing?! This is way out of hand

“I know daisies and tulips would be lovely to see

“But I’m afraid here in Jersey, it’s not meant to be

“That’s right, I have been scared by my shadow, so it’s one more winter nap

“And this is all based on science, not AI or an App.

“I know it will be tough to keep those shovels and heaters

“But getting through these grey times will make spring even sweeter

“For a football prediction, you know animals are my thing

“So, let’s bet on another bird and see what the Seahawks will bring!”

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