Rise and shine, woodchuck chuckers! Every February 2nd – Groundhog Day – the world’s attention turns to the expert prognosticator of prognosticators. That lovable weather-rodent, the groundhog.

Punxsutawney Phil of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is the most famous groundhog in the world, of course. He has been forecasting long winters and early springs since the 1880s.

New Jersey has its own team of groundhog wanna-be meteorologists too. (Unfortunately, Milltown Mel will not be making an appearance in 2024, as he still has not been replaced after his untimely death just before Groundhog Day two years ago.)

Lady Edwina of Essex County is a groundhog. A resident of Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, N.J., Edwina took over forecasting responsibilities in 2022 following the retirement of Milltown Mel. In her prognostication debut, she predicted an early spring, much to the delight of New Jersey residents.

As we approach Groundhog Day 2024, the anticipation for Lady Edwina’s next prediction is building. Will she forecast an early spring once again, or will she surprise us with a different outlook?