Iguanas Plummet as South Florida Braces for Rare November Chill

On November 10, 2025, South Florida is bracing for a strong cold front that will usher in the season's coldest air yet. Temperatures are expected to plunge into the upper 40s and low 50s by early Tuesday morning, marking one of the chilliest Veterans Day periods on record.

This sudden drop in temperatures will have an unusual effect - it is likely to cause green iguanas, an invasive species common across the region, to become cold-stunned and lose their grip on tree branches, causing them to fall to the ground. Iguanas, which rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, essentially shut down when the mercury dips below 50°F.

The green iguana, along with the Mexican and spinytail iguana, was introduced to Florida decades ago through the pet trade. Now considered a nuisance, the species has caused structural damage, power outages, and even garden and pool infestations. Their impact goes beyond just being a nuisance, as they also threaten native wildlife such as gopher tortoises, sea turtles, and burrowing owls.

While this cold snap will be short-lived, with temperatures expected to rebound by the end of the week, residents of South Florida can expect to see a rare November sight - cold-stunned iguanas scattered on the ground come Tuesday morning.