The first major cold spell of the season has enveloped parts of the southeastern United States, plunging temperatures to record lows. A massive cold front has sent chill across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, leaving 18 million people under freeze warnings.
On Tuesday, many regions faced an abrupt and shocking transition from a mild climate of 70s and 80s (21 to 27 Celsius) to wintry conditions. Jacksonville, Florida, recorded a low of 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 Celsius), shattering the previous record from 1977.
Weather experts predict a few more unusually cold days before temperatures begin to rise again later this week, causing some disruption to daily life.
Florida Sees Iguanas in Trouble
In a rather surprising twist, temperatures dropping below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 Celsius) resulted in a 'falling iguana advisory' in Florida. Reptiles go into survival mode under such conditions, leaving many locals grappling with stunning visual posts of frozen iguanas on social media.
“It was a warm end to fall, and then we were slammed with bitter cold,” noted meteorologist Scott Kleebauer.
Visitors to theme parks in Orlando faced the unusual need to bundle up, with some locations experiencing temperatures dipping into the upper 40s, and daytime highs barely reaching 70 degrees.
Lake Effect Snowfall
Meanwhile, parts of the Great Lakes have not been spared, seeing significant snowfall due to the cold air interacting with warmer lake waters. Up to 9 inches (23 cm) of snow blanketed areas in Michigan, making for a challenging environment for local residents.
“It just wouldn’t stop,” exclaimed Barbara Butch from Ubly, Michigan, reflecting on the relentless snowfall.
Concerns in California
On the West Coast, California prepares for heavy rains and mountain snow from an incoming atmospheric river, which could lead to flooding and mudslides in vulnerable areas. Predictions suggest that over 21 million Californians could be at risk by Thursday.
Weather across the U.S. is visibly more volatile, leading to unpredictable patterns of warm and cold snaps, leaving both residents and officials on alert.
