Tampa Could Break 130-Year-Old Cold Record as Florida Braces for Near-Freezing Temperatures
TAMPA, FLORIDA — A powerful Arctic blast could push temperatures across Florida to record-breaking lows on Tuesday morning, with meteorologists warning that Tampa may break a cold record set in 1892.
Tampa Nearing Historic Cold Levels
According to updated forecasts, the HRRR model shows Tampa’s Tuesday morning temperatures could dip below 40°F, potentially setting a new all-time low for November 11th.
The city’s previous cold records for that date were:
- 40°F (1892)
- 41°F (1956)
- 42°F (1943)
Forecasters say that the latest projections indicate Tampa could fall even lower, breaking a record that has stood for over a century.
Cold Air Engulfs the Sunshine State
The cold front sweeping across the U.S. will bring widespread 20s to northern Florida and 30s to central and southern regions, marking one of the most extreme early-November cold events in decades.
Cities including Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee are expected to dip well below freezing, while Orlando, Fort Myers, and even parts of Miami-Dade County could feel wind chills in the low 40s.
“Still seeing widespread 20s in the northern state and 40s for southern parts,” meteorologist Mike Boylan of SpaghettiModels.com reported. “That means yes… falling iguanas likely!”
Falling Iguanas and Other Hazards
As temperatures drop into the low 40s and upper 30s, cold-stunned iguanas may begin falling from trees — a phenomenon Floridians have come to expect during sharp cold snaps. The reptiles become temporarily paralyzed when temperatures fall below 45°F but typically recover as the air warms later in the day.
Residents are also urged to cover sensitive plants and bring pets indoors as wind chills could make the air feel even colder.
Coldest Morning in Years Expected
Tuesday is expected to bring the coldest morning in Florida since the 1980s, with forecasters describing the system as “record-breaking” for both its reach and intensity.
The National Weather Service has advised Floridians to prepare for possible frost and hard freeze conditions in northern counties, with some areas staying below freezing for several hours.
Rapid Warm-Up Later in the Week
Fortunately, the chill won’t last long. Meteorologists say temperatures are expected to rebound into the 70s by Thursday and Friday, restoring typical November warmth to much of the state.
Until then, Floridians should brace for a historic cold morning that could rewrite temperature records across the Sunshine State.
Stay updated on major weather alerts and record-breaking events at NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.