Malverne Mel, Holtsville Hal Make Their Groundhog Day Predictions

Long Island's two foremost — and furriest — meteorologists didn't agree on when the winter is going to end this year. Malverne Mell and Holtsville Hal came up with differing predictions on this year's Groundhog Day.

As the legend goes, if the groundhog sees its shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. And this year, Long Island's prediction rodents came to different conclusions.

Malverne Mel saw his shadow, while Holtsville Hal did not, according to the Long Island Press. So what does that mean for the forecast?

Well, New York's other groundhog, Staten Island Chuck, also predicted an early spring. But the nation's foremost expert on being a groundhog and seeing his shadow, Punxsatawney Phil, saw his shadow, predicting more winter in line with Malverne Mel.

Only time will tell which groundhog was right. Either way, make sure to keep wearing your heavy coat this weekend, at least.

Photo: Town of Brookhaven