The Falling Iguana Warning in Florida is a Real Thing
When I first started spending winter in southeast Floridaā¦ way back in 2015ā¦ there were usually a couple of days where the temps dipped into the 40ās.
The Localās put on long pants, socks, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, or coats, and bundle up before heading outside.
Granted, 40 degrees here in the coastal south just hits differently. I assume itās due to the humidity and possibly the ocean air.
It seems when the temps dip below 50 or so, a common phrase I hear is āWatch for falling Iguanas!ā.
I didnāt know falling iguanas was a real thing. I thought it was just how Floridianās announced their winter weather - similar to a northerner saying āitās colder than a witchās tit in Decemberā (which I never understood).
After a little research I found itās not a saying, itās a real warning.
When temperatures drop below 40-50Ā°F these poor cold-blooded critters go into a temporary, paralyzed state and can fall from trees. After they plop to the ground they may look dead but theyāre not. Once the temps warm up, they skedaddle.
Iāve seen many iguanas and lizards over the years. They come in all shapes and sizes but Iāve never come across a fallen iguana.
Tonights low is 33 degrees with a Feels Like temp of 23. In the 10+ years Iāve been coming here I donāt remember it ever being this cold or even close to literal freezing temperatures.
I know Iāll survive but I hope the Localās and critters come thru it unscathed. I also promise not to laugh at their cold weather anticsā¦ unless Iām behind closed doors š
Connie š¼
Life Right Now
- My Whereabouts: Southeast Florida
- Home Base: An extended-stay hotel
- I'm Here Until: Sometime in March or April
- Upcoming Shenanigans: Nikki (daughter) has the week off. We usually do a day trip to Key West, find somewhere new to explore, and just have fun spending time together
For some tidbits about my lifestyle, head over to my About page.