Southwest Florida Shatters 60-Year Record as Punta Gorda Hits 39°F with Falling Iguanas

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Residents in Southwest Florida woke up to a rare sight Monday morning — temperatures in the 30s, shattered records, and even iguanas falling from trees as the region experienced its coldest early-season morning in nearly six decades.

According to WINK News meteorologists, the city of Punta Gorda set a new record low of 39°F, breaking its previous record by 5 degrees. Nearby Naples also recorded freezing-cold conditions, marking the earliest such low since 1966.

Meteorologists say the drop was caused by a powerful Arctic air mass that pushed deep into the southeastern United States over the weekend, bringing with it record-setting chill from Alabama to South Florida.

Record-Breaking Cold Hits Southwest Florida

“Record cold lows occurred this morning in both Punta Gorda and Naples,” meteorologists confirmed. “It hasn’t been this cold this early in nearly 60 years.”

While most of Florida typically enjoys mild mornings in November, inland regions across Charlotte and Lee counties reported readings in the upper 30s and lower 40s before sunrise. The sharp cold was accompanied by light winds and clear skies, conditions that allowed temperatures to plummet overnight.

By mid-morning, forecasters confirmed multiple locations had broken or tied long-standing records for November lows.

Falling Iguanas Reported Across the Region

The sudden cold also led to one of Florida’s most unusual cold-weather phenomena — falling iguanas. The reptiles, which thrive in tropical climates, become temporarily immobilized when temperatures drop below 45°F.

Reports from Port Charlotte and Cape Coral described iguanas dropping from trees onto sidewalks and patios, appearing lifeless but merely “cold-stunned.”

“Don’t assume they’re dead,” warned meteorologist Matt Devitt of WINK Weather. “They usually revive when temperatures rise again later in the day.”

First Time This Cold Since 1966

Monday’s low in Punta Gorda marked the coldest early-season temperature recorded since 1966, a year when similar Arctic air masses swept across the state. The 39°F reading not only broke local records but also caught residents by surprise after a recent stretch of near-80°F highs.

“We went from running air conditioners to pulling out winter coats overnight,” one resident joked on social media. “And the iguanas didn’t handle it well either.”

Forecasters Warn of More Chilly Nights Ahead

Meteorologists expect another cold night ahead, with temperatures once again expected to drop into the upper 30s inland and low 40s along the Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service continues to advise residents to protect plants, pets, and outdoor pipes, as well as to exercise caution on early-morning commutes due to patchy frost in rural areas.

While Florida’s weather is set to gradually warm through midweek, experts note that these early-season cold snaps are reminders that winter can bring surprises even to the Sunshine State.

For more updates on Florida weather alerts and rare cold events, follow SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for the latest regional coverage.