Many people from the northern US and Canada head south to Florida in the winter, hoping to escape the biting cold. However, Florida can have its own chilly surprises. I remember my time at Florida State University in Tallahassee when several inches of snow fell—it actually froze the chemistry building solid! It even snowed in Miami that year.
I recall being in my dorm room, which was situated right underneath the stairs. At 7:00 a.m., I heard students running down the steps and bursting through the exterior doors, yelling about the snow. They made it about ten feet outside before stopping and exclaiming, “It’s cold out here!” Being a Midwesterner, I just turned over and pulled up my blanket. Yes, snow generally requires it to be cold!
A Different Kind of Forecast
While cold snaps in south Florida aren’t unheard of, the newest weather forecast measure isn’t just about temperature—it’s about the number of iguanas falling out of the trees.
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are common in the pet trade, but they have become a significant invasive species problem in Florida. These lizards are prolific breeders, producing up to 80 eggs per clutch. They thrive in south Florida neighborhoods, feasting on tasty landscaping and using the canal systems for quick escapes. In fact, an iguana can hold its breath for 30 minutes and is an excellent swimmer.
Why the “Falling” Phenomenon Happens
The problem is that these lizards are native to Central America and are highly sensitive to cold. When Florida temperatures drop, the iguanas become comatose. They lose their grip on the branches and fall, unconscious, to the ground.
While some caring but misguided people take pity on these “frozen” lizards and try to warm them up, this is actually nature’s way of managing an invasive species. These exotics cause real damage by consuming native plants and decorative landscaping. Most concerning to scientists is their consumption of mangroves. Mangroves are vital to the estuarine ecosystem; they stabilize the shoreline during storms and provide a nursery for many aquatic species.
Embracing the Lore
The “falling iguana” has become such a part of local lore that it’s even inspired professional sports! The Palm Beach Cardinals (a Class-A team for the St. Louis Cardinals) are embracing the phenomenon with a limited-time alternate identity: the Palm Beach Frozen Iguanas.
For Saturday home games in 2026, they will wear themed jerseys and hats featuring “icy blues” and “vibrant greens.” I can’t quite decide if the iguana on the logo looks ferocious or just really shivering! I especially got a kick out of the refrigerator magnet.
Iguanas are a major part of my life and work, but I never expected “falling iguanas” to become a standard weather term for the general public. If you find yourself in Florida during a cold snap, keep your eyes on the skies!
Keep the Learning Moving! Want to dive deeper into the world of these fascinating reptiles? My Iguana Interactive Workbook is filled with fun facts, puzzles, and science-based activities perfect for young explorers.