Florida's usually balmy November took a sharp turn this week as an Arctic cold front swept through, shattering temperature records and prompting unusual wildlife warnings. On Tuesday morning, November 11, 2025, residents across the state woke up to some of the coldest air seen in years, with wind chills making it feel even nippier.
In Orlando, the mercury plunged to a brisk 36 degrees Fahrenheit, edging out the previous record low of 39 degrees for the date. Locals bundled up for what felt more like a Midwest winter than Sunshine State weather. Over in Miami, South Florida didn't escape unscathed either—early readings hovered around 47 degrees in areas like Kendall, with forecasts warning of possible near-record dips into the low 40s. The humidity that typically softens the blow was nowhere to be found, leaving folks shivering under palm trees.
Heading north, Tallahassee braced for the biggest impact, with overnight lows expected to hit 33 degrees and a high barely scraping 55. Freeze warnings blanketed the Panhandle, urging folks to protect pipes and plants from the uninvited frost. This cold snap, driven by Canadian winds, marks one of the earliest freezes on record for the region.
Adding a quirky twist to the freeze, authorities in South Florida issued alerts about falling iguanas. These invasive reptiles, perched in trees, go limp when temps drop below 50 degrees—sluggish at first, then tumbling to the ground below 40. They're not dead, just temporarily stunned, but the sight has startled more than a few morning walkers. Officials advise leaving them be to thaw out naturally.
While the chill is set to ease by midweek, with highs rebounding into the 70s, this abrupt weather shift leaves many pondering the quirks of Florida's climate.
