According to the National Weather Service in Miami, temperatures in some areas could dip into the 30s overnight into Wednesday. Cold-blooded iguanas, according to the NWS, could "slow down or become immobile when temps drop into the 40s."
Jan 21 - This isn't something we usually forecast, but don't be surprised if you see Iguanas falling from the trees tonight as lows drop into the 30s and 40s. Brrrr! #flwx #miami pic.twitter.com/rsbzNMgO01
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) January 21, 2020
The agency advised that the immobilized iguanas could fall from trees and look dead on the ground, though they are actually still alive. The low temperatures stun the invasive reptiles, but the iguanas won't necessarily die. That means many will wake up as temperatures rise Wednesday.
Forecasters warned of similar conditions back in 2018. During that cold snap, residents who found stiffened iguanas were advised to leave them alone, as they may feel threatened and bite once they warm up.
A two-week cold snap with temperatures below 40 degrees in 2010 killed off many iguanas, along with Burmese pythons and other invasive pests that thrive in South Florida's subtropical climate.
Residents took to social media on Wednesday morning to share photos of the fallen, frozen iguanas.
I can confirm that falling iguanas are a real thing#FloridaWinter pic.twitter.com/AHalTmi8QI
— Maria M. Bilbao (@mariagarciafl) January 22, 2020
Wednesday was the coldest morning in years across parts of Florida.
Miami dropped to 41 degrees - the coldest temperature in more than 9 years. The wind chill made it feel like the low 30s.
Here is a look at the lowest temperatures across the Florida Keys as observed earlier this morning. This is the coldest morning in 5 years! Brrr! Gradual temperature moderation is expected over the next few days. #flwx #KeyWest #FloridaKeys #coldtemps pic.twitter.com/NZiTqGDh7g
— NWS Key West (@NWSKeyWest) January 22, 2020
Forecasters warned of similar conditions back in 2018. During that cold snap, residents who found stiffened iguanas were advised to leave them alone, as they may feel threatened and bite once they warm up.
A two-week cold snap with temperatures below 40 degrees in 2010 killed off many iguanas, along with Burmese pythons and other invasive pests that thrive in South Florida's subtropical climate.
The good news is a warming trend is on the way. By Friday, temperatures will be near 80 in Miami.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
