Big changes are on the way for Southwest Florida. A sharp cold front rolls in on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and it’s about to shake things up.
Here’s what to expect:
Wednesday, Jan. 14: Clouds move in. Temperatures slip a bit, topping out in the low 70s, upper 60s. You’ll probably notice some showers as the front edges closer.
Thursday, Jan. 15: Here comes the main event. The cold front pushes through with steady rain and some heavy downpours, especially in the morning. Temperatures don’t break out of the upper 60s.
Friday, Jan. 16: Bundle up. This is the coldest morning, with lows dropping to the upper 30s near the coast, and inland spots like Arcadia could dip into the low 30s. Some frost or even a freeze is possible away from the water. With the wind, it’s going to feel like the 20s. Even with plenty of sunshine, highs struggle to reach the low 60s.
Weekend, Jan. 17-18: Saturday stays cool, with highs right around 70. Late Sunday, another front will arrive and decrease the temperatures to the upper 60s. Both days should be sunny and dry.
So, Southwest Florida folks, get ready for a real shock to the system. Pull out the jackets, because you’ll need them.
Falling Iguana Alert
A quick heads-up for anyone with iguanas nearby: This cold snap is about to catch them off guard. When the temps drop into the 40s and 50s, these cold-blooded lizards can’t keep their muscles working. They stiffen up, lose their grip, and fall out of trees; a weird sight, but it happens every time we get a big chill like this. Don’t panic if you see “frozen” iguanas on the ground. They’re not dead, just stunned. Once the sun comes out and things warm up, they’ll snap back to life.
Here’s what you need to know:
– Don’t pick up cold-stunned iguanas. When they warm up, they’ll move fast and might bite.
– Don’t bring them inside. They recover fine on their own outside, and you can’t legally keep them as pets without a permit.
– Watch out for falling iguanas, especially under trees. It’s rare for them to die from the cold unless they’re seriously hurt from the fall.
Get ready for a big cool-down, a few odd iguana incidents, and some real winter weather in Southwest Florida.
