Florida Cold Snap: Freezing Temps & Iguana Alert Next Week

A second cold front is poised to bring a significant temperature drop to Florida early next week, following a week of unusually warm weather. Whereas not expected to reach the severity of the sub-freezing temperatures experienced earlier this month, the shift will be noticeable, with potential for a hard freeze in parts of the state.

Brevard County residents enjoyed highs in the 80s on Saturday and Sunday, but the National Weather Service Melbourne office forecasts a high of only 62 degrees on Monday, with overnight lows potentially dipping to 39 degrees. Tuesday’s high is expected to be 60 degrees, with a low of 40 degrees. Warmer temperatures are anticipated to return by Wednesday.

The cold front is currently moving into Northeast Florida, where lows could reach freezing in inland areas as early as Sunday, February 22, according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee. The front will continue its southward progression throughout Sunday.

AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham indicated that the coldest conditions are expected Monday night, with the potential for a hard freeze along the Interstate 10 corridor, possibly extending as far south as the Ocala metro area. Temperatures in the upper 30s to lower 40s are forecast to reach well into the Florida Peninsula, including areas like Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale. Even Miami could experience a low around 45 degrees Monday night. Temperatures on Tuesday and Tuesday night are expected to be 3-5 degrees warmer than Monday night.

The approaching cold also raises the possibility of paralyzed iguanas, as temperatures are forecast to dip into the 40s across South and Southwest Florida – a temperature low enough to temporarily immobilize the reptiles. They are not killed by the cold, and will become active again as temperatures rise.

Despite the cold front, any rainfall associated with it is not expected to alleviate the state’s ongoing drought conditions. Currently, 98.8% of Florida is experiencing conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought. Thirty-five of Florida’s 67 counties have implemented burn bans due to the increased risk of wildfires. As of Friday morning, February 20, there were 65 wildfires burning across the state, consuming a total of 3,456 acres.

Looking ahead to March, Buckingham suggests that while there is a risk of additional fronts in early March, the chances of further freezes will diminish with the increasing sun angle and longer daylight hours. Temperatures are expected to be above average across the state during March, generally 2-3 degrees above average.

The Montreux Jazz Festival Miami is scheduled to take place from February 27 to March 1, with Jon Batiste as curator. The Miami Concours will be held from February 13-15, and the Miami International Boat Show from February 11-15. The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is scheduled for February 14-16, and the South Beach Wine and Food Festival will run from February 19-22.