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New Jersey’s weather-predicting groundhog DIES day before Groundhog Day

Milltown Mel, furry forecaster from New Jersey, dies before big day

Will spring come early in New Jersey?

Residents won’t have their yearly prediction today (Wednesday) -- at least from groundhog Milltown Mel.

The famous groundhog weather predictor in Milltown, NJ, passed away suddenly just before Groundhog Day.

Officials broke the news in a statement saying Mel “crossed over the rainbow bridge” and they were unable to find a replacement rodent for today’s festivities.

The longest-running Groundhog Day tradition in the U.S. centers around Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania (who at last check is alive and well).

Legend has it if a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; No shadow = spring comes early.

Joe Kelley

Joe Kelley

WDBO News Director and host the The Joe Kelley Show - weekdays from 5:00PM to 7:00PM on WDBO.