Arctic Blast Grips Eastern U.S., Bringing Record Cold, Snow, and 'Falling Iguana Advisory' to Florida

Unprecedented Cold Sweeps Across the Nation

The eastern two-thirds of the United States is experiencing a significant cold snap this November, with an Arctic air mass bringing record-low temperatures and widespread snowfall. The unusual weather event, described as 'a full scale polar plunge' by CNN, has impacted millions from the Great Lakes to Florida and Texas.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the southeastern U.S. saw temperatures plunge to record lows, affecting an estimated 18 million people under freeze warnings across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. In Jacksonville, Florida, the airport recorded a low of 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 Celsius), shattering the previous record of 35 degrees set in 1977. Meteorologists noted that temperatures were '20 degrees below normal' in areas like North Carolina and Georgia, with frost reaching as far south as Orlando.

Snowfall Blankets Northeast and Midwest

Accompanying the frigid temperatures, significant snowfall has blanketed parts of the Northeast and Midwest. Areas along the eastern Great Lakes received several inches of snow, while heavy snow was forecast for regions surrounding Lake Michigan. Some parts of the Midwest reported 'more than a foot of snow' by Monday morning. The blast of cold air also brought 'robust snow amounts' to the Great Lakes and the southern Appalachians, with West Virginia experiencing 'more than 14 inches (37 centimeters) of snow' on Monday and Tuesday. Notably, Asheville, North Carolina, recorded some of its earliest snow on record.

Florida Issues 'Falling Iguana Advisory'

In a rare but recurring phenomenon during extreme cold, Florida residents received a 'falling iguana advisory.' When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), iguanas become sluggish, and below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), these cold-blooded reptiles can become paralyzed and fall from trees. These conditions were widespread in upstate Florida on Tuesday. Experts advise the public to leave the stunned iguanas alone, as they are not dead but in a state of torpor and will revive once temperatures rise.

Widespread Impacts and Outlook

The severe weather has led to treacherous travel conditions in metropolitan areas such as Chicago and across the Midwest. The National Weather Service also warned that gusty winds and dry conditions could elevate the threat of fire along the central Gulf coast. This early-season Arctic blast is also expected to hasten the end of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season by removing heat from the atmosphere. While the cold snap is significant, forecasters anticipate a gradual warming trend later in the week, though several more colder-than-normal days are expected for the Southeast.