WEST BRIGHTON — New Yorkers won't be getting a break from the cold weather, according New York City's official groundhog, who saw his shadow and called for six more weeks of winter.
After getting off to a rocky start with new Mayor Bill de Blasio, Staten Island Chuck predicted the city would have six more weeks of winter at the Staten Island Zoo on Sunday morning.
"We have troubling news here, Chuck likes the polar vortex," de Blasio said. "Chuck says more winter."
And while Staten Island Chuck didn't bite the new mayor, he didn't seem too excited to be picked up by de Blasio.
De Blasio had trouble catching the furry forecaster to pick him up, who squirmed in his hands and was eventually dropped by the mayor before his prediction.
Eventually, the mayor pet Chuck and the two tried to get their relationship off to a better start than Chuck had with former mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was bit in the finger by the groundhog in 2011.
"Let's face it Chuck and my predecessor didn't always get along," de Blasio said. "But I'm hoping we can start a new day, a new relationship here."
For New Yorkers who base their weather prediction on groundhogs, Chuck saw his shadow on Sunday and predicted the city will continue the frigid temperatures with six more weeks of winter, much to the chagrin of many.
Chuck's forecast also corresponded with his more famous rival Punxsutawney Phil, who also called more winter, according to USA Today.
And while the Pennsylvania-based Phil's success rate leaves much to be desired, Staten Island's groundhog has fared better. Zoo officials said that Chuck boasts an 80% accuracy in his predictions, and students from P.S. 29 will check to see if his latest forecast falls as a miss or failure.
And while Chuck didn't take a bite out of the new mayor, de Blasio had a word of warning for the furry meteorologist if he tried.
"Tish James and I are from Brooklyn, and as she says, 'In Brooklyn, we bite back,'" de Blasio said. "Chuck has been forewarned."
