Cold Weather in South Florida Leads to Falling Iguanas and Extended Chill
South Florida anticipates a cold snap with temperatures dipping below 50 degrees, potentially causing iguanas to fall from trees. Despite a brief warm-up, residents should prepare for continued chilly weather throughout the week. Meanwhile, the central U.S. is facing severe weather conditions including snow and ice, highlighting the region’s harsh winter challenges.
Residents in South Florida are preparing for an unexpected cold snap, with temperatures projected to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit this week. This unusual weather pattern may result in the phenomenon known as “falling iguanas.” Local meteorologists predict that temperatures will start to decline significantly, particularly coming into Wednesday. The invasive green iguanas, which can reach lengths of up to five feet, become lethargic in colder climates and may tumble down from trees when the temperature dips below 50 degrees.
Recent weather reports indicated a low of 55 degrees in Miami on Saturday morning, while cooler areas such as Kendall and Pompano Beach experienced lows around 51 degrees. However, temperatures rose into the high 50s and low 60s by mid-morning. Forecasts suggest that daytime highs in Miami could reach 72 degrees, possibly increasing to 75 degrees on Sunday. Nevertheless, a strong cold front is anticipated to sweep through the region on Monday night, leading to a sharp decline in temperatures to the upper 60s and overnight lows dropping to 49 degrees, representing the lowest temperatures seen in South Florida in nearly two years.
In contrast to the mild winter narrative in South Florida, significant storm systems wreak havoc across the central U.S., Ohio Valley, and mid-Atlantic regions. These areas are prepared for heavy snowfall, sleet, and icy conditions that threaten travel safety and could cause power outages. Additionally, severe weather scenarios, including potential tornadoes, are forecasted in parts of the Deep South, specifically Mississippi and Alabama. Despite the chill, South Florida residents may find solace in the forecasted afternoon sunshine, maintaining a semblance of comfort in the cooler weather. Nonetheless, the frigid conditions are predicted to persist until the end of the week, with no immediate relief in sight.
The phenomenon of iguanas falling from trees is primarily observed in regions like South Florida where the climate typically remains tropical and warm. Iguanas, being cold-blooded reptiles, become inactive and can fall when the temperatures drop significantly. This occurrence highlights the environmental impact of temperature fluctuations on non-native species in climates that are not their natural habitat. Furthermore, severe weather patterns across other regions of the United States contrast sharply with the localized chilly weather, underscoring the variability of weather systems across the country.
In conclusion, South Florida is bracing for unusually cold weather, prompting alerts due to the potential for iguanas to fall from trees as they become dormant in temperatures below 50 degrees. The forecast predicts continuing chilly conditions following a brief warm-up, while the central U.S. grapples with severe winter storms. Awareness of these weather trends is crucial for residents and those monitoring the environmental impacts on local wildlife and broader climate patterns.
Original Source: www.local10.com
