Cloudy With a Chance of Falling Iguanas: Florida Receives Unique Weather Forecast

Typically, Florida’s weather in January is known for its mild temperatures and sunny days. For many tourists, it’s a great time to escape the harsh cold of winter in other parts of the country and enjoy the pleasant climate that the Sunshine State has to offer.

However, for the past couple of weeks, Florida has seen unprecedented cold temperatures alongside aggressive wind and rain. Now, a new forecast has arrived, one that is even more shocking.

Related: Walt Disney World Theme Park Shuts Down to Brace for Winter Weather Impact

Credit: Canva

Cold Temps Bring Unlikely Threat

In a surprising turn of events, meteorologists in Florida have issued a rather unusual weather forecast – an Iguana Watch.

Florida hurricane specialist, Zack Covey, has alerted residents of South Florida to be prepared for temperatures dropping below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period. While this might seem like a typical weather advisory for some, the intriguing aspect of this watch is the expected result – lethargic iguanas falling from trees and other elevated areas.

An Iguana Watch, as named by Covey, is a phenomenon unique to Florida. Due to the cold temperatures, iguanas, which are cold-blooded reptiles, experience a decrease in their body temperature, leading to a state of tranquility and lethargy. This causes them to lose their grip on tree branches, resulting in an unusual sight of falling iguanas throughout the region.

The reason behind this peculiar behavior lies in the biology of these cold-blooded creatures. As the temperatures drop, iguanas are incapable of generating enough body heat to function normally. Consequently, their muscles become stiff, rendering them unable to maintain a strong hold on their perches.

While this might sound alarming, it is important to note that the iguanas are not harmed by this involuntary “plunge” as long as where they land is safe.

Weather forecast: Chance of falling iguanas https://t.co/o2gaIYSpF0

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) January 18, 2024

A “Heads up” if You Will

If you are planning to visit the region for Walt Disney World Resort or any other activity, it is advisable that you look out for these creatures. The Iguana Watch is an essential precautionary measure by the National Weather Service, aiming to alert residents about this climate-induced phenomenon.

Not only does it help ensure public safety, but it also presents an opportunity for Floridians to witness a natural phenomenon that occurs relatively rarely in other parts of the United States.

For residents and visitors alike, the falling iguanas can create quite a spectacle. It is advisable to exercise caution during an Iguana Watch, particularly when walking or parking beneath trees commonly inhabited by these reptiles. It’s not uncommon for unsuspecting passersby to find themselves in close proximity to a sleepy iguana that has taken a tumble.

As Florida embraces this unique weather forecast, it serves as a reminder of the diverse weather patterns and remarkable wildlife that make the state so fascinating. Whether it’s hurricanes, intense heat, or unexpected drops in temperature, Florida weather never fails to captivate residents and pique the interest of meteorologists and nature enthusiasts across the nation.

Credit: Disney

So, if you happen to be in Florida during an Iguana Watch, keep your eyes peeled for these curious creatures descending from above. It’s not every day that you get to witness such a whimsical event brought upon by the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of this beautiful state’s climate.