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Florida May See Frost Warnings, But Will It Snow? What to know
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Florida May See Frost Warnings, But Will It Snow? What to know

THE coldest temperatures of the season are expected in Florida this weekend and early next week.

Freezing is possible, and the National Weather Service said frost warnings may be issued for some areas as temperatures drop above normal on Thanksgiving Day.

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This raises questions: Will it snow in Florida next week and will iguanas fall from trees?

How low will temperatures in Florida drop?

Temperatures in the United States on December 3, 2024.Temperatures in the United States on December 3, 2024.

Temperatures in the United States on December 3, 2024.

THE coldest temperatures of the season will arrive late this weekend and early next week, particularly in North Florida, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Temperatures felt Sunday morning will be between 20 and 30 degrees (28-32 degrees) across much of the Panhandle and Big Bend, with temperatures between 30 and 30 degrees along the coast and in the Suwannee Valley. . Across the rest of the state, low temperatures will fall into the 40s and 50s in Central Florida and the 50s and 60s in South Florida.

Overnight Sunday, the first frost of the season will likely develop as low temperatures throughout the I-10 corridor drop to near and below freezing temperatures (30 to 34 degrees). A Freeze Warning will likely be issued for several interior locations in the I-10 corridor and widespread freezing will be possible, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Temperatures felt early Monday morning will fall into the 20s to 30s throughout North Florida, 30s to 30s across the Northern Peninsula and Natural Coast, and 30s to 30s across inland Central Florida heading from Lake Okeechobee.

Beginning Saturday morning, low temperatures drop to the mid 30s with isolated light frosts along the Wiregrass area.

The first widespread frost of the season is expected Sunday morning outside of the immediate coast and Big Bend, according to the National Weather Service Tallahassee. Factoring in a north wind of at least 5 mph, the wind chill could be below zero. Temperatures Monday and Tuesday are expected to be similar to Sunday.

The temperatures will be dangerous for vulnerable populations, so make sure you have suitable shelter for yourself, your pets and your plants.

There is a risk of frost in north-central Florida Sunday evening, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. A northwest breeze should spare coastal areas from frost and freezing temperatures. Monday night there is potential for a light freeze in the region.

Along the east coast of Florida, the coldest night is expected to take place Monday evening, when lows are expected to be between 40 and near 50, according to the National Weather Service, Melbourne.

Will the start of December bring snow to Florida?

No. It will be cold and watch out for those frost warnings and frost advisories, but dry air follows these cold fronts.

“Right now, there is no chance of snow here through the holiday weekend and into the first week of December,” David Reese, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, said during a telephone interview Wednesday morning.

“Really dry air is moving in behind the fronts. There will be some moisture as the front passes through, causing rain showers Friday morning, but cold air won’t arrive until later.”

The same conditions are expected in the western Panhandle and northeast Florida: cold but dry and clear, with no snow expected.

“Our little corner of Florida is not expecting snow. After the front passes, it will be dry in northwest Florida,” said Steve Miller, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Mobile.

“It will be mostly dry and windy, with frost possible inland Saturday and Sunday” in northern Florida, said Angie Enyedi, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jacksonville.

“Monday night looks to be the coldest night, with freezing as far east as Duval County. Some locations may reach severe freezing criteria of 28 degrees, but the weather will remain dry and cleared.”

Will iguanas fall from trees during Florida’s cold snap?

It’s possible, but it depends on exactly how cold it is in the areas where iguanas thrive in Florida.

Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said iguanas may become immobilized or sluggish when temperatures reach between 40 and 50 degrees.

Because they tend to climb trees, paralyzed iguanas can lose their grip and fall in very cold weather. This condition is temporary and they will become active as they warm up.

Current forecasts call for temperatures this could affect some iguana populations, particularly in Collier and Lee counties.

  • Stuart

    • Sunday: maximum 72; weak 57

    • Monday: maximum 68; weak 58

  • West Palm Beach

    • Sunday: maximum 74; weak 62

    • Monday: maximum 69; weak 63

  • Naples

    • Sunday: maximum 75; weak 52

    • Monday: maximum 69; low 50

  • Fort Myers

    • Sunday: maximum 74; weak 49

    • Monday: maximum 68; weak 46

  • Sarasota

    • Sunday: maximum 69; weak 51

    • Monday: maximum 64; weak 47

Where do iguanas live in Florida?

Green iguana populations extend along the Atlantic Coast in Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties and along the Gulf Coast in Collier and Lee counties, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Although they have been spotted in counties as far north as Alachua, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River and St. Lucie, it is more likely that they escaped or were released from captivity. Because the reptiles are not cold hardy, iguanas in these counties “are unlikely to establish populations,” the FWC said.

Has it ever snowed in Florida?

Yes, it is. Even if snow does not fall every year, it nevertheless appears, to the delight of the inhabitants.

The first documented account of snow in Florida was reported in 1774according to the Florida Climate Center.

“Since 1886, it has been more than 80 months since at least a trace of snow has been reported anywhere in the state,” the Climate Center reported.

How far south did it snow in Florida?

Snow fell in Homestead and Miami Beach. No, we’re not kidding.

On On January 19, 1977, snow fell in South Florida for the first time in history, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow was seen in Southeast Florida, all the way to Homestead and even Miami Beach. Weather watchers also reported snow in West Palm Beach, LaBelle, Hollywood and Royal Palm Ranger Station in southern Miami-Dade County.

“Residents and visitors were both surprised and excited by this rare phenomenon, and local newspapers ran headlines almost as big as those of major national or world events,” the weather service reported.

Every observing station in north and central Florida recorded at least a trace of snow, according to the weather service.

Tampa measured 0.20 inches, and Plant City, east of Tampa, measured up to 2 inches.

Christmas snowstorm 1989

Snowfall recorded during the coastal Christmas snowstorm of December 22–24, 1989.Snowfall recorded during the coastal Christmas snowstorm of December 22–24, 1989.

Snowfall recorded during the coastal Christmas snowstorm of December 22–24, 1989.

The largest snowstorm in history (at that time) on the southeast coast of the United States occurred just before Christmas, December 22-24, 1989, according to the National Weather Service.

THE Coastal Christmas Snowstorm broke snowfall records in Wilmington, North Carolina – with 15.3 inches – and even brought measurable snow as far south as Jacksonville and Tallahassee. Snow showers were even reported in Tampa and near Sarasota.

The snow was accompanied by arctic air, with record lows reported across the state. The temperature in Key West dropped to 44 degrees.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Snow in Florida? Iguanas falling from trees? Frost, frost ahead