Groundhog Day In Essex County: See 2023 Predictions From ‘Edwina’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Bundle up, Essex County – the winter cold will continue for another six weeks. That’s the prediction from Essex Edwina, the Turtle Back Zoo’s resident groundhog, who saw her shadow on Thursday.

According to the myth, if a groundhog sees their shadow on Feb. 2, the winter chill will continue. If the weather is cloudy and they don’t see their shadow, people can expect warmer temperatures and early spring.

Essex County typically adds a twist to the annual tradition, asking the resident groundhog at the zoo to predict a winner of the Super Bowl, too. This year, Edwina – who took over duties from the late Essex Ed in 2022 – has predicted that the Philadelphia Eagles will defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.

• See related: 'Essex Ed' Has Seen His Last Groundhog Day At Turtle Back Zoo

“I have never really liked the cold weather, so I’m not a fan of Essex Edwina’s prediction,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said, adding that the annual event helps to “create excitement” about the county-run zoo.

Last year, Edwina predicted an early spring and the Los Angeles Rams as victors in the Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Rams won, 23-20.

Edwina’s full prediction for 2023 follows below:

"Good morning, good visitors, I am here once again,

To bestow forecasting wisdom to all of my friends.

Usually till today, I’d be months deep in a nap,

But it’s been hard to sleep deeply, without winter’s cold snap.

Spring daffodils and daisies, there’s much to enjoy,

But low snow this January was just a decoy.

Yes, winter still lingers, behind clouds and strong gusts,

A cold spell is coming and we will all have to adjust.

Another six weeks and then back to more sun,

In the meantime, let’s talk about how football’s almost done.

Giants’ fans, I know, it pains me to say…

But it’s looking like Eagles will conquer the day."

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