The National Weather Service (NWS) took the unusual step on Tuesday of warning that frozen iguanas are expected to shower South Florida as temperatures drop to unusually low levels for the region overnight. Iguanas, as it turns out, are susceptible to freezing once temperatures drop to around 40F (4.44C). When frozen, these cold-blooded creatures lose their grip on the cozy trees they call home and slip. But the experts informed the public to be aware that the chilled reptiles may be stiff and appear lifeless – but they are not dead. The NWS made the decision to alert the public on Twitter to the increased likelihood of the falling iguanas.
Jan 21 – This isn't something we usually forecast, but don't be surprised if you see Iguanas falling from the trees tonight as lows drop into the 30s and 40s. Brrrr! #flwx #miami pic.twitter.com/rsbzNMgO01
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) January 21, 2020
Floridians seem relatively unfazed that green reptiles may freeze up and show up petrified around their pools or on their decks. The possibility has come about every winter for years.
It’s so cold the iguanas are freezing and falling out of trees @CBS12 pic.twitter.com/9nCTfKPaGJ
— Maxine Streicher (@MaxineStreicher) January 4, 2018