What storm? Staten Island Chuck is ready for his big day

In a city beaten down and weary from winter storms, a hope for a sunnier future rests with Charles G. Hogg — aka Staten Island Chuck, the city’s groundhog weather prognosticator of 30 years who’s scheduled to make his spring arrival forecast Wednesday.

As a historic winter storm sweeps across the country, groundhogs in cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee and Long Island’s Malverne decided to take a snow day today, but Chuck’s keepers said no matter what the weather, he’ll show up for his big day.

“Shine, rain, sleet, snow, Chuck’s going on,” said a Staten Island Zoo spokeswoman.

Chuck, 6-years-old, was set to emerge from his solar-powered home at the zoo Wednesday morning and tell us whether we’re in for six more weeks of winter.

By his side will be Mayor Michael Bloomberg, his one time nemesis (the rodent bit Hizzoner two years ago). If Chuck sees his shadow, we may have to deal with more slosh-covered streets.

Apparently, the 10-pound groundhog is one we can trust, as his predictions have been correct 23 years since 1981. But beware — Groundhog Day's predicted cloud-cover may throw off Chuck's prediction.