Full Breakdown
South Florida Experiences Unseasonably Cold Temperatures
11/13/2025, 8:43:04 PM
Record Low Temperatures and Weather Conditions
On November 11, 2025, South Florida experienced a significant drop in temperatures due to an Arctic cold front, marking one of the coldest mornings in the region since January 2025. Miami-Dade and Broward counties recorded lows in the upper 40s, with Miami reaching 49 degrees Fahrenheit, while the Florida Keys saw slightly warmer temperatures in the upper 50s. The National Weather Service indicated that these temperatures represented a steep decline of 20 to 28 degrees from the previous day, with highs only expected to reach the mid-60s on Veterans Day.
Impact on Local Wildlife
The cold snap brought about unusual phenomena, including a "falling iguana advisory." Iguanas, which are common in South Florida, become cold-stunned and lose their grip on branches when temperatures drop below 50 degrees. This led to reports of iguanas falling from trees, a spectacle that has become a quirky hallmark of cold weather in the region.
Warming Trend Ahead
Despite the chill, meteorologists forecast a gradual warming trend following the cold front. By midweek, temperatures were expected to rise into the mid-70s, with highs reaching the low 80s by the weekend. The National Weather Service predicted that after the initial cold snap, temperatures would stabilize, with lows in the upper 60s and highs in the low 80s, returning to more typical November weather.
Official Statements & Responses
Meteorologist Lissette Gonzalez from CBS Miami noted the unusual nature of the cold front, emphasizing that temperatures typically do not fall to the 40s in South Florida until December. The National Weather Service also issued warnings about hazardous conditions, including rip currents along the Atlantic beaches due to strong winds accompanying the cold front.
Criticism & Opposition
While the cold weather was met with some amusement, particularly regarding the falling iguanas, there were concerns from local residents about the impact on agriculture and the potential for damage to crops. Agriculture officials reported that they were monitoring the situation closely, although no immediate issues had been reported.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There were discrepancies in reported temperatures across different sources. For instance, while some reports indicated Miami's temperature dropped to 49 degrees, others suggested it could have been as low as 48 degrees, potentially tying a record set in 1913. Additionally, while the cold front was expected to be brief, the exact duration and impact on local wildlife and agriculture remained uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This was more — it was warm there for a long time and then all of a sudden it’s a shock to the system with how cold the shot was.” — Scott Kleebauer, Meteorologist
- “Below the mid-40s, they can enter a dormant state and fall out of trees.” — Ron Magill, Zoo Miami Communications Director
- “The good news is after (Tuesday) night, the lows are not going to be as cold.” — Chuck Caracozza, Senior Meteorologist, National Weather Service
As South Florida transitions from this unseasonably cold weather, residents are reminded to prepare for fluctuating temperatures typical of the region's fall season.
