Groundhog Day 2026: Pawed Prognosticators Signal Six More Weeks Of Winter

MALVERNE, NY. — As the sun rose on Feb. 2, Winter-weary souls from across America were met with the news that they’d be spending six more weeks with cold weather. It was groundhog day, Punxsutawney Phil had seen his shadow, and so too had Nassau County furry forecaster Malverne Mel.

In Pennsylvania, Gobbler’s Knob residents found that Punxsutawney Phil had seen his shadow in the 140th installment of an annual tradition. In Malverne, to the dismay of many, Nassau County’s own furry forecaster corroborated Punxsutawney Phil’s reports, signaling in his own appearance that Long Island would be seeing six more weeks of winter.

For Long Islanders, it's a signal that an already grueling winter would stretch on. After months of snow and sub-zero temperatures, Nassau and Suffolk residents would have to wait at least six more weeks before spring could spring. It was the fourth time in five years that Malverne Mel had seen his own shadow.

It was still a joyous occasion for one member of the Malverne community Monday: State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, whose father was one of the originators of Malverne's Groundhog Day celebration over 30 years ago.

"This tradition will always be near and dear to my heart," Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said Monday. "Seeing so many residents brave the cold and come together is truly special."