by Miami, Florida — Florida residents are facing a historic cold wave as temperatures plunge to as low as 26°F, marking one of the most extreme November cold snaps in over a century. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that Miami’s 48°F reading on Tuesday, November 11, was the coldest for that date since 1913, breaking a 110-year record.
Historic Cold Front Grips the Sunshine State
Typically, Florida enjoys mild fall temperatures hovering around 66°F in November. However, this week’s sudden temperature drop has stunned both locals and tourists. Residents scrambled to find winter clothing and protect their homes, outdoor pipes, and tender garden plants from freezing temperatures.
The cold snap has also created bizarre scenes across the state — most notably, iguanas freezing and falling from trees. As cold-blooded reptiles, iguanas lose mobility in frigid conditions and appear lifeless when temperatures drop below 45°F. Social media has been flooded with images of these stunned creatures scattered across backyards and sidewalks.
Coldest Temperatures in Over a Century
According to the NWS, temperatures have plummeted across multiple regions of the state:
- Southeast Alabama, the Big Bend, and the Panhandle are seeing lows near 26°F.
- Northeast and Northern Florida have dipped to 27°F, with cold air persisting into Wednesday morning.
- Coastal regions like Dixie, Jefferson, Taylor, Wakulla, Franklin, Gulf, and Levy Counties are recording temperatures between 28°F and 31°F overnight.
Historical comparisons make this weather even more extraordinary. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Florida remains -2°F in Tallahassee on February 13, 1899, during a legendary Arctic outbreak. Yet, new records have emerged this week:
- Tampa dropped to 39°F, the city’s lowest November 11 temperature since 1892.
- Orlando recorded 36°F, its lowest for the same date in more than 90 years.
What Experts Are Saying
The NWS Miami office confirmed:
“A record low minimum temperature was tied at Miami this morning. The temperature of 48°F is the coldest on record for this date (11/11) in over 110 years.”
Amateur climatologist Thierry Goose added:
“It’s the 7th lowest temperature for the first half of November since 1937 — and the second lowest that early behind 48°F on Nov. 6, 1950.”
NWS Safety Guidelines
Officials are urging Floridians to take extra precautions as the cold continues through midweek. The National Weather Service has advised:
- Avoid outdoor exposure during the coldest hours (early mornings).
- Bring pets indoors and ensure livestock have shelter and unfrozen water.
- Cover or move sensitive plants to warmer areas.
- Protect outdoor plumbing from freezing.
- Check on elderly neighbors, young children, and the homeless.
- Monitor local forecasts for weather updates and warnings.
A Rare Chill for the Sunshine State
While the cold front is expected to ease later this week, it serves as a reminder of Florida’s occasional vulnerability to winter weather. For many longtime residents, this event will go down as one of the coldest early November weeks in living memory.
What do you think about Florida’s record-breaking freeze? Have you seen any frozen iguanas or unusual weather in your area? Share your experience in the comments below!
