Both Temperatures and Iguanas Will be Falling This Weekend in Florida

Posted: January 29, 2022 3:26 am

While much of the East Coast will be dealing with what is shaping up to be a historic nor’easter and bomb cyclone storm, Florida will also be experiencing its own winter weather. The Sunshine State is set to welcome a blast of frigid air by Saturday, sending residents scurrying to find warm clothes.

Florida and Georgia to Experience Blast of Arctic Air

A blast of Arctic air will reach far enough south to bring temperatures in Florida to some of the lowest levels in years. Forecasters are cautioning that not only will temperatures be broken, but it is also possible that crops may be damaged as the cold air mass moves in.

Freeze watches have already been issued for some areas of northern Florida and into the southern tier of Georgia. The temperatures are expected to begin their free fall late Friday throughout the interior Southeast. These frigid temperatures will track into Florida by late Saturday.

The Southeast will be under the gun for unseasonably cold temperatures to start the weekend. The high temperatures on Saturday will hover in the 30s and 40s for areas such as Atlanta. These readings will be well below the average mid-50s that the city generally sees at the end of January. Gusty winds will bring the real feel temperature down even further.

Agricultural Concerns for Florida

The unseasonably cold temperatures could wreak havoc to Florida’s agricultural industry. Forecasters are warning that the freeze may be hard enough to damage citrus and berry crops on Saturday night. Farmers should take the necessary precautions to protect the crops.

Estimates from the Florida Department of Citrus have determined that up to 20% of the citrus crops in the central portion of the state may be below 28 degrees for up to three hours on Saturday night. This extended blast of cold air could cause significant damage to these trees during an important phase of the growing process.

Records in Danger of Falling

There will be a number of records that are in danger of falling this weekend. For example, the daily record low for Orlando on January 30 is 31 degrees, a reading that has stood since 1966. The forecast calls for lows to drop into the middle to upper 20s in Orlando, putting a chill on all of those theme park visitors.

In addition to Orlando, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tampa is predicting low temperatures on Sunday morning that will rival the coldest since 2018. Farther to the south in Fort Myers, the low of 35 degrees from 1978 may be challenged.

Over on the East Coast, Miami may also come close to matching the record low of 36 degrees from 1940. Even the Florida Keys will be feeling the chill with a nightly low on Saturday predicted to be in the 40s in Marathon.

Falling Iguanas

Temperature records are not the only thing in danger of falling this weekend. Iguanas may also fall from trees if the temperature dips below 40 degrees. These cold-blooded iguanas tend to become incapacitated when it gets too cold. This causes them to not be able to hold onto the tree branches in which they escape to sleep when the temperature drops.

Not native to Florida, these types of iguanas are considered to be invasive. As their body functions slow down with the falling temperatures, the iguanas become immobile. Most iguanas will survive the fall to the ground as they land on their backs. However, they remain still on the ground until the mercury starts to rise and they are able to move again.

It is not a surprise to learn that iguanas falling from trees and lying motionless on the ground can be quite alarming to those not familiar with this phenomenon. These iguanas can measure up to five feet long and weigh up to 25 pounds when fully grown. Because of this size, the largest iguanas can actually damage the sidewalk if they hit it with enough force.

If you do not appreciate the cold in Florida, you will be glad to know that temperatures are predicted to rebound by the beginning of the week. However, the Arctic air is predicted to stick around for some time in the Midwest and Northeast.

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